Norman James Brown

Norman James Brown passed from this life on June 1, 2014. He was born to William and Zelma Brown in Port Huron, Michigan on September 30, 1931. He spent his childhood years in Croswell, Michigan.

Even early in his life, Norman loved the outdoors. He enjoyed the summers that he worked in some of the most beautiful and rugged areas of Alaska and Canada, as he earned his way to a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Michigan College of Technology and a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota.

While working in Casper, Wyoming he met and married Mary K. Heyl; they were married for 49 years and 6 months. They were blessed with three daughters, whom they raised in Casper.

Norman's professional life included working as an exploration geologist for Amoco and later Marathon Oil. He was happiest with his creation and development of the Petroleum Technology program at Casper College which he also taught many years.

He was a dedicated teacher, always focused on his students' progress and worked diligently to place all of his graduating students with jobs in the oil and gas industry. Norman was a member of the Murie Chapter of the Audubon Society and enjoyed leading field trips for this and other groups, serving as a lay reader and vestry member for his church and in later years, attending the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He was happy to have his grandchildren living nearby in Wyoming and especially liked going on trips and picnics with the family to various places or just being with them at home, often talking to them about history or science.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, always concerned with the welfare of his family and always there for them for guidance and support. We will always love and miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Steven Brett Canepa. He is survived by his wife, Mary K; daughters, Kathryn Brown, Marie Yates, Melissa Westman (Wade); and eleven grandchildren, Taylor Yates, Mathieu Yates, Noah Yates, Daniel Yates, Adam Yates, Alyssa Canepa, David Brown, Andrew Westman, Haleigh Westman, Kaden Westman, Jordan Westman.

A memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 10, 2014 at the Anglican Church of the Resurrection, 342 S. Grant Street, Casper. A reception will follow at the church hall.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners' Children's Hospital or Central Wyoming Hospice.

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