BANGOR – Norman J. Palmer, 78, husband of the late Irene (Burleigh) Palmer, died Dec. 25, 2004, at a local hospital. He was born Dec. 28, 1925, in Bangor, the son of David and Gertrude (Smith) Palmer. He was a World War II veteran serving with the U.S. Navy on the USS Wasp, and a member of the Bangor Victory Platoon. He worked for Bangor Hydro Electric Company for more than 20 years retiring April 1988. He was always involved in children’s sports. He was a Y Pewee League basketball coach and for a number of years was president of the East Side Little League, but his true passion was Competitive swimming. For more than 30 years, Norman could be seen on the pool decks as a swim coach and official for age group levels up to College meets. He was a founding member of the Maine Swim Officials Association, as well as an age group swim coach for the Bangor and Old Town Y’s. Norman was one of the founding members of the University of Maine Swimming Endowment Fund that was established to help prevent the elimination of the sport at the University. He was inducted into the Maine Swimming Hall of Fame in April of 2002. He is survived by one son and his wife, Ritchie Palmer and Cheryl of Bangor; one daughter and her husband, Eileen and Larry Lafland of Brewer; one sister and her husband, Ann and Les Dorr of Portsmouth, N.H.; four grandchildren, Shelly and her husband, Michael Vidas, of Brewer, Shawn Lafland and his wife, Vyana, of Glen Allen, Va., Eric and Stephanie Palmer of Bangor; three great-grandchildren, Serissa and Kory Lafland, and Michael Vidas Jr.; several nieces and nephews. In addition his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Graydon. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor where a service of remembrance will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson, Chaplain, officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., following the interment. Gifts in his memory may be sent to Bangor High School Swimming, care of Phil Emery, 885 Broadway, Bangor 04401
NORMAN J. PALMER
