Norman Jay Chavez

Norman Jay Chavez, 57, of Sonora, California-The man who brought love, light, and laughter to every single soul he touched. Men wanted to be him, and women loved him. He was truly honored to be born to Wilford and Maria Chavez in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 5, 1963.

Norman graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1981. He went on to Ultra Tech School of Dental Technology and rose to be a Senior Dental Laboratory Field Technical Advisor. He has a son Juan Alejandro Madrigal-Chavez residing in Sacramento, CA, whom he was so incredibly proud of.

After locking eyes with Kara, and falling head over heals, he married the love of his life on February 13, 2016. They most recently reside in a beautiful home nestled in the lovely mountains in Sonora, California. It was in Sonora that he reawakened his 40-year passion for mountain biking. Freeing his spirit, and riding peacefully on the beautiful local trails. Feeling more alive and liberated than he had in years, he rode his last mountain trail on an absolutely beautiful day, March 26, 2021, and passed away doing what he loved.

Everyone who knew him, knew about his deep passion for cooking his family's red sauce recipe, which you would find chilled in his fridge at all times. He was a man known for having the ability to cook something out of nothing, a cherished attribute we all admired. When he wasn't cruising the streets in his favorite deep blue BMW with the top down, you'd find him front and center dancing with his beautiful wife at every hot spot in every city. Football Sunday's, you'd find him dressed to the max in his Dallas Cowboys gear yelling so loud, determined that those player could hear him through the TV. His love for the Golden State Warriors fueled his energy to be a fanatic for life. While this big teddy bear had a smile that was contagious, he loved watching The Big Bang Theory, The Office, and always had a sweet spot for old movies.

He was a man of faith who was also and avid volunteer. He was a proponent for building bicycles for under privileged children and was most recently serving as a volunteer at the local community COVID center. It is because of Norman Jay Chavez, we share this moment to celebrate the privilege of having him touch every one of our hearts.

When he rode off into the skies above, he left behind his beloved wife Kara Chavez, son Juan Alejandro Madrigal-Chavez, his godson Milo Reece Ward, step-daughter Lauren Nelson and spouse Jeffrey Nelson, step-son Eric McDermott and fiancée Amber, step-daughter Natalie Gaston and spouse Corey Gaston, his cherished mother Maria Chavez, brother Mark Chavez, sister Lynette Chavez-Ward and spouse Maurice Ward, seven beautiful grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Wilford Chavez.

Norman was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

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