Clinton Brandt Norman

Clinton Brandt Norman of Visalia California passed away after a fall, followed by several months of declining health. Clinton died peacefully with his wife Carol and several of their children by his side Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 88.

Clinton was born in Compton California at his aunt and uncles home on August 11, 1934, to father William (Ike) Sampson Norman and mother Leona Ruth Norman. Clinton learned from his parents the importance of living with personal integrity, hard work, and devotion to family. He was proud of his surname and wanted it to be synonymous with honor and respect. The youngest of four children, Clinton was often found tagging along with his father and older brothers as they traveled about the state as truck drivers. His mother had given him a directive, “You can be anything you want when you grow up, just not a truck driver”. Clinton thus found work during High School at Thrifty drug store and a local parts store Smith & Thorpe. After graduation Clinton began his career at Pacific Bell, where he retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

He graduated from Excelsior High School in 1952, and married Carol Joan Gallaugher of Bellflower California in August of 1953. Clinton and Carol took up residence in Bellflower where they raised their seven children, and a plethora of dogs. In 1957 with three young children Clinton contracted polio. He was deemed contagious and secured behind glass in an intensive care ward at LA General for 2 weeks, and then transferred to Rancho physical therapy to regain motor skills. After three long months of crutches and therapy, Clinton was not only able to walk out on his own, he continued his favorite sport of water skiing as well!

Clinton enjoyed his years in Bellflower amidst the laughter and comradely of a large extended family – aunts, uncles, cousins and fast friends. As a child Clinton was often found building model airplanes and flying, at what is now Bellflower High School, with his brother Walter and best friend for life Kenney Myers. Walter was also instrumental in Clintons’ love of boats, their first build was a crackerbox lovingly known as “Steampot”. Summers he was found at the lakes or rivers in his beloved boat “The Hustler”, another build with lifelong friend Tom Van Ruiten. The 1963 Spitfire was even featured as the centerfold layout in Hot Boat magazine. Clinton loved being in and or on the water, and would share that joy every chance he got. Clinton manufactured several boat trailers for friends and family. He was one of the original butt crack mechanics, and ensured everyone’s boats were running at their top performance, no one was left wanting for a ski ride. Clinton taught EVERYONE how to ski, taught the best drivers and gave the best ski rides. His tube rides were EPIC!! many “new” to the river family were initiated into the fold via a ride behind Uncle Clinton. His ability to make a boat turn on the water, or a tube dance on its side, has yet to be matched.

Clinton thrived with his family around him. Visits to extended family and friends, or even to pick up parts were occasionally prefaced with a trip to the “coke” store, where an RC in the bottle and a fruit pie was always in order. Homemade was his choice for anything and everything, if the kids couldn’t come, he didn’t go. His discipline was swift, typically just, and once dealt you moved on. His praise was heartfelt, and given regularly. Clinton stood fast in his choice to be a father, his dedication and devotion was unmatched. His undying love for family was engrained on his soul.

Clinton was Scout Master for Bellflower Cub Scouts, Girl Scout chaperone. He was a coach, umpire, and spectator for multiple generations of family ball players. A Float builder for Bellflower Homecoming parade. Clinton loved to help where ever he saw a need, or was simply asked. Clinton didn’t cook a lot, or BBQ like many fathers, his rice was a bit on the salty side, but just ask for pancakes, and you tasted where Clinton excelled!

At the end of his career with Pacific Bell, Clinton retired to Visalia California to become a farmer on an 80 acre piece of property. Clinton, born with a green thumb, thrived in the farming culture. He LOVED his trees and they loved him. When the nursery moved in next door, he was in seventh heaven! His knowledge of all things mechanical was invaluable and paved the way for his ability to support his farming friends with both repairs and improvements to their equipment. Clinton made many friends in the farming community.

Clinton loved his shop. His place, was his shop. There was always a project to tinker on. There was always something to think and talk about. It was there that he taught future mechanics, welders, wood workers, and crafters alike, where he created, repaired, built, inspired, and simply sat by the fire and pet the dogs.

Clinton was preceded in death by his parents, Ike & Ruth Norman, his siblings, Walter Norman, Donald & Lois Norman, LeeMoile & Mike Westerlin, granddaughters Meagan Norman, and Crystal Norman. And many, many dear friends two and four legged.

Clinton is survived by his wife of 69 years Carol Norman, his children; Curtis & Sherry Norman, Cathy Norman, Caryn & John Sanchez, Camilla Norman, Cristy & John Harrison, Carla & James Emery and Clifton & Lisa Norman; his grandchildren; Jeremy & Irene Norman, Justin Norman & Celeste Migliaccio, Joslyn & Rob Grable, Jaclyn & Ryan Grable, Eric & Amy Sanchez, Chanyn Sanchez, Robin & Darin Coleman, Chris Rottigni, Casandra & Brian Sikes, Richie & Kelly Harrison, Jason Norman, Michael & Wendy Norman, David & Jenna Hix, Catelyn La Point & Riley King, Derek La Point & Marissa Klein, Michele & John Wood, Lisa & Randy Johnson, Riley Norman, Miranda & Philip Breaux, and Carson Norman, Great Grandchildren; Joey, Maegan, Juliya, Jake, Taytum, Titan, Talan, Karter, Kason, Austin, Mekenna, Jarrin, Payton, Connor, Camryn, Ryan, Avery, Shaun, Jacob, Ethan, Cru, Kensington, Lakelynn, Isabell, Brandt, Zori, Aushelle, Logan, Chance, Rally, Jovee, Karissa, Courtney, Noah, Hudson, Maverick, Pierce, and Great Great Grandchildren; Oliver, Addison & Autumn, plus many nieces & nephews, great nieces and great nephews. And his dogs: Cinder, Annie and Sophie.

A celebration of life for Clinton is planned for Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1 pm at the home of Curtis & Sherry Norman. All are invited to attend to share favorite stories and memories, to laugh, to cry, and remember a strong wonderful man who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to an animal rescue facility of their choice. Clinton did love his puppies….

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Norman family.