Norm Laurence

Normand Albert "Norm" Laurence, age 74, died at his residence on January 10, 2012, after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma. Norm was born on April 3, 1937, in Worcester, Massachusetts to the late Wilfrid and Lilliane (Michaud) Laurence. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Richard Laurence, and a step-son, Edward Marchion.He graduated from Rockland High School in 1955 and served in the US Navy from 1955 until 1957 aboard the USS North Hampton CLC-1. Norm worked at Electric Boat, Pratt & Whitney, and in various construction fields. For many years, he was self-employed. He was a talented craftsman and well known for his antique restorations and fine custom-built furniture. Norm thoroughly enjoyed playing the guitar for his grandchildren and was a wonderful artist, sharing his paintings with family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Gail (Mason) Laurence of Canton; a son, Andrew Laurence and his wife, Stacie, of Mantua, Ohio; one daughter, Denise Laurence of Sterling, Massachusetts; three step-sons, Michael Deitemeyer and wife, Sherri, of South Lake, Texas, Jeffrey Deitemeyer and wife, Lisa, of Allen, Texas, and Gregory Marchion of Clinton, Massachusetts; nine grandchildren, Hayley, Rileigh, Ethan, Sarah, and Abby Deitemeyer of Texas; Carrigan, Madisyn, and Ian Benoit of Ohio, and Brielle Francis and husband, James of Florida; one sister, Linda Berry of Gold Hill, Oregon; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his faithful dogs, Maggie and Otis. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Haywood County Animal Shelter, 245 Hemlock Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 in his memory.

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