Norman "Smokey" J. Rifanburg

Smokey was born on September 17, 1939 in Plymouth the son of James W. and Nellie (Mead) Rifanburg. He grew up in the Plymouth and Norwich area and was a graduate of the Norwich High School. In his early working career Smokey was employed by the Cossitt Concrete Company. He eventually became employed by Victory Markets where he worked in the warehouse for 24 years. In addition to working full time for Victory Markets he also owned and operated his own farm on Wells Road. He also was in the logging business cutting and selling firewood. His passion and something he truly enjoyed was working with his draft and work horses. Smokey could often be seen in the fields working with his horses and was a familiar sight in local parades with his prize horses. He was also a member of the Horse Pullers Association.

To sum it up Smokey was a hard worker throughout his life and truly enjoyed it.

Smokey is survived by his sons James Rifanburg of Davenport, Bruce (Penny) Rifanburg of South New Berlin and Scott (Audra) Rifanburg of Owensboro, KY. Also surviving are his grandchildren Tyler, Misty, Chad and Valerie along with 6 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters Irene (Ethel) and Dorothy Shipton and his brothers Clif, Whitney, Bob and George Rifanburg.

A funeral service for Smokey will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at Noon from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 10-12 folowed by the funeral service.