Nelson F. Norman

Nelson Francis Norman Ph.D. age 97, passed peacefully from this life on June 6, 2015. Born in Crookston, MN to John Francis Norman and Loretta Malone Norman, Nelson lived a long and distinguished life. He held degrees from Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Illinois and Fresno State University. Numerous academic appointments included University of Illinois, Fresno State College, Fullerton Community College, and most recently San Diego State University where he taught Soviet History, Western Civilization, and Contemporary World in Historical Perspective. Nelson was named “Outstanding Professor” at three universities and was awarded the Honor Ring for Excellence in Teaching and Student Services at SDSU. Career highlights include founding of the Office of Ombudsman at SDSU, acting chairman of the French and Italian Department, involvement in committee work for Campus Organizations and well as Statewide CSU system. He attended CBS Announcer’s School in 1943 and frequently worked in front of microphones and cameras, as well as teaching Announcing Techniques at the University of Illinois. Nelson was an expert traveler, who organized numerous educational trips throughout Europe and served as a professor for the NAVY’s PACE program. He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Dorothy Margaret Selfridge Norman and children; Kenneth Gerard, Douglas Ford Norman (Charlotte), Theodore Francis (Kathy), Barbara Jeanne Puhl (Bruce), Gregory Andrew (Kimberly), Diane Elizabeth Mondello, as well as 20 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Nelson wore the mantle of a Scholar and a Gentleman well, albeit lightly. The breadth and depth of his knowledge and life experiences could enrich the understanding and appreciation of any moment with the most appropriate quote or observation, making a good experience grand. Those who knew Nelson will be able to attest to his gentle good humor, which, when having a cutting edge to it, was almost always self-deprecating, and presented as a lesson for living. Nelson’s love of family fused with his practice as an historian led to an ongoing interest in genealogy that made for many acquaintances and friendships with newly discovered family members.

Nelson was a person with a zest for life and life long learning. He embraced new ideas and technology. He learned the computer following his retirement and created his “Sunday Reports,” a blog of sorts where he spoke to current events as well as family history and other things of interest at the moment. One of the great loves of his life was the game of tennis. He learned the game as a child and continued to play into his early 90’s. Nelson was truly a renaissance man and found something good in all activities. His many loves included music and the arts, beauty in all things, and the antics of young children. While he was a man of strong faith, he was never dogmatic. He was especially proud of the accomplishments of his children whatever their endeavor or choice of career. He will truly be missed by all he touched.

A Celebration of Life will take place this Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:00am at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, located on the S.D.S.U campus. A reception to follow immediately after service.