Theodore King

Just Cremation

Norman Garnsey Lavery

Before his passing, Norm thoughtfully composed the obituary below.

Norm died on June 9, 2025 at age of 85, having lived a good life.

He was devoted every minute of every day to Marion, his wife of 58 years, and to his two daughters Kristin and Kendra and to their young 'uns.

Norm was professionally foremost a scientist, with a B.S. in Geology from Union College in Schenectady and a  Ph.D. in Geology from Penn State; with numerous peer reviewed technical articles and a book chapter in the field of minerals exploration geochemistry to his credit. He had a successful career as a research scientist with Exxon Production Research Company and a following successful career as a minerals exploration geologist - entailing many weeks of camping in Idaho and Oregon, developing and marketing gold prospects for his own account.

Norm was the recipient of the Bailey Cup award for "leadership", and the East Coast Athletic Conference award for "athletic prowess and scholarship" during his senior year at Union. He was also the president of the Student Council and co-captain of the football team during his Senior year. A notable sports keepsake during his Senior year is a letter from Chicago Bears coach George Halas inviting him to attend a Bears training camp.

Norm entered the fields of mediation and group process facilitation in mid-life and helped many individuals and corporate groups learn and practice productive ways in which to interact. The Community Circles program - both by directly helping individuals and groups and as a training vehicle, spread the tools of collaboration to many individuals and organizations in Montana. His book, The Power of Circles, based on indigenous principles, has been widely read and well received. Norm's many interests qualified him as a polymath, with fine woodworking [designing and building one-of-a-kind hardwood furniture and art pieces] being one of his loves. The shop was always one of his "happy places". His leadership in the field of alpine ski instruction and ski school management is remembered by many, for his design and implementation of the "For Women Only" program and the "Alpine Experience" program for teenagers.

Norm valued his personal relationships above all -  both with his family and with his Book Club members and other friends in the Missoula community. He was a lifelong learner - with one, two, or three books open to exploration and reflection at any one time.

Norm requests that he be remembered as a caring human being with a thirst for learning, and with a focus - through scholarship, writing, and personal interactions - on helping individuals and groups interact peacefully and achieve their life potential.

A small gathering will be held in his memory at the Missoula library, September 13th at 1:00pm.

When words can’t fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalised gifts, keepsake jewellery and to plant a memorial tree.

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Norman Lavery Obituary | Just Cremation