Arlan "Arlie" Norman
March 26, 1940 - July 31, 2021
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Arlan "Arlie" Norman
March 26, 1940 - July 31, 2021
Obituary
Arlan (Arlie) Norman, aged 81, died suddenly on Saturday, July 31, after suffering a devastating stroke. Efforts to save him allowed his family time to be with him in his final hours. There has been an outpouring of grief that serves as a testament to his impact on all who knew and loved him.
Arlie was born and raised in North Dakota, received his PhD at Indiana University and established his career in Boulder, Colorado, where he was professor of chemistry at the University of Colorado and served as the Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. His long career at CU in research and teaching led to numerous publications and awards. In that time, Arlie and his wife, Diane, raised their two children in Boulder where they embarked on a lifelong love of the outdoors, whether hiking, camping or skiing.
With Diane, Arlie came to Bellingham in 2003 as the Founding Dean of Western Washington University’s College of Sciences and Technology, a position he held for eight years. Throughout his career, he was committed to high quality science education. The Normans quickly grew to love their new community in the Pacific Northwest. Arlie joined the Bellingham Rotary, the Technology Alliance Group and chaired the board of the SPARK Museum. He was also a faithful partner in Diane’s deep involvement in the Bellingham Festival of Music.
Arlie was brilliant, yet humble, curious and always interested in others. He shared his love of travel and adventure with friends and family. An active, involved father and grandfather, he loved spending time with daughter, Hilary Benson, her husband David, and their three children in the Seattle area. And, he was a proud, devoted father to his son, U.S. Army Colonel Geoffrey Norman, his wife Stephanie and their two sons, through their frequent moves around the country and deployments overseas.
Arlie is survived by Diane, Hilary, Geoffrey, and five grandsons; his sisters Doris Steingraber and Twyla Chun. A small family service is planned now, with a celebration of his life sometime in the fall.
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Arlie has been honored at WWU with a scholarship fund established in the College of Science and Engineering. Named the Arlan Norman Award for Excellence in Student Mentoring, the fund recognizes his contributions as the inaugural Dean of CSE and his lifelong dedication to mentorship, science and education.
Throughout his life, Arlie worked to inspire the best in innovation, curiosity and excellence in science education. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring his memory with a gift to The Arlan Norman Award for Excellence. Click here for more details.
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The Arlan Norman Award for Excellence
- Website: https://www.vikingfunder.com/ArlanNorman
- Description: This fund was near and dear to Arlie's heart and is truly a fitting tribute to his legacy. It was Arlie's hope that this fund would grow to a level that would allow for an additional award for outstanding undergraduate mentors, thereby creating an award for both graduate and undergraduate faculty members and students in the sciences.
8 responses to Arlan "Arlie" Norman
Ron Kleinknecht says:
August 4, 2021
To all of the Norman family: Sharon and I just learned today of Arlie’s passing and are deeply saddened by his loss as I know are all who knew him.
I had the pleasure of working with Arlie as Deans at Western as well as fishing partner catching salmon in Haida Gwaii BC. It was all memorable times.
He was a first class scientist, academician, Dean and most of all a great human being.
He is missed.
Ron and Sharon Kleinknecht
Neil West says:
August 5, 2021
Diane and family,
Arlie and I first became acquainted when we enrolled at UND in 1958. We have been friends since those early college days! He was also a part of a group who organized a chapter of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity at UND.
It has been a delight to visit with he and Diane when we are in the Pacific Northwest or they have been in Tucson. We will miss his wisdom and wit which were a highlight for our memories of Arlie. God Bless you all!
Neil & Carol West, Tucson
Laura Laffrado says:
August 5, 2021
Dear Diane,
I just heard the sad news of Arlie’s passing. I am so very sorry. He was a great guy and so much fun to be around. We were just emailing last month. He’s gone way too soon.
Deep sympathy to you and your family.
Laura Laffrado
David and Jo Maas says:
August 6, 2021
Diane and Family,
David and I hold you very dear in our thoughts. The Spark Museum has entertained many of our guests and we always are reminded of Arlie with each visit. He was a remarkable man.
With love, Jo and Dave
Jim Johnson says:
August 6, 2021
Arlie was my friend, colleague, mentor and best boss ever. I worked for him as his Director of Development at the College of Science and Technology at Western Washington University. He was brilliant, humble, funny, thoughtful and kind. He will be missed by me and many. Rest in heaven Arlie. Say hello to my Mom and Dad who are there above too. Love always and forever. Jim