Obituary for my Dad

 

Leland Burney Norwood

June 5, 1920 – February 7, 2015

Lee Norwood peacefully passed away of natural causes in Lomita, California, on February 7, 2015 at 94 years of age, surrounded by family and close friends.

Lee was born in Albany, California, on June 5, 1920.  At age 3, he and his family moved to Hawthorne, California, where he graduated in June 1937 from Leuzinger High School. He went to work for North American Aviation on October 1, 1937, where he worked on the P-51, B-25, and X-15, among many others. He and Marky (b. Margaret Clara Gremli) were married on June 12, 1943, and then Lee joined the Navy in 1944.

After his discharge in 1946, Lee worked on the F-86, B-45, and B-70 before transferring to the Space Division in Downey. There he worked on the Apollo, Saturn, and Space Shuttle Orbiter Programs. Altogether he worked for North American Rockwell almost 47 years when he retired in April 1994. After retirement, Lee and Marky spent time with the Rockwell Camping Club, spending many weekends throughout the West with their close friends.  Lee was a member of the Bald Eagles and attended dinners with other retirees.

Lee and Marky first met at the wedding of Marky’s best high school friend and Lee’s best friend; Marky was a bridesmaid and Lee was an usher. Marky caught the bride’s bouquet and that was the beginning of their romance. When Marky passed away in 2002, they had been married for almost 59 years!

In 1964, Lee and Marky moved into a brand new home in Rancho Palos Verdes.  After they retired, they made many trips around the country, to England and throughout Europe, especially enjoying their research into family history.  Lee was an avid photographer all his life, and he always had his camera hanging around his neck!  In 1987, they took up ballroom dancing and danced in several competitions.  Lee looked so handsome in his tuxedo! 

Lee and Marky were docents for many years at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center; Lee attended their “Whale of a Day” event every April through 2014. They were active members of the Rolling Hills United Methodist Church, and Lee was very close to many church members, attending church services up until a week before he passed away.  His long life was so blessed.

A 9^th-generation Cody (William “Buffalo Bill” Cody), Lee became active in the Cody Family Association, serving as their genealogist for 10 years.  He and Marky traveled to many Cody Family reunions, and Lee discovered cousins from all over the country with whom he corresponded frequently.

After Marky’s death, Lee sought companionship with some of his lady friends, including Ruth Brooker.  The two of them traveled in the U.S. and to Ireland where Ruth looked for her family history too!  They attended concerts, plays, Friday Morning Club and the El Camino travel series for many years, along with other friends.  Such an amazing, active life!

Lee moved into the Canterbury, an Episcopal Home, in Rancho Palos Verdes in 2009. At the Canterbury, he made many new friends and became the “life of the party” every Friday during happy hour when he danced with the ladies.  He was unhappy that more men did not join him!   

Lee is survived by his daughter, Louise Ratliff, grandchildren Michael Ratliff, Angela Norwood, Paul Norwood, and Burney Lovelace, and 6 great grandchildren; his son Donald Alan predeceased him.

Funeral services will be held on February 17, 2015 at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church at 11 am, with viewing at 10 am and a reception to follow at the church. Internment will be at Inglewood Park Cemetery later that day.

Donations in Lee’s memory may be made to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, 31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes.