Norman Beavers

NORMAN BEAVERS

Age 79, of West Homestead, passed away at his home surrounded by family, on Saturday, March 3, 2018. He was born September 5, 1938 and attended Munhall High School where he graduated in 1956. Norman met his beloved wife Carol Suray in November 1960 and they married in 1961. On October 27, they celebrated their 56th anniversary. He worked as a roller at U.S. Steel Homestead Works for 30 years until the mill closed in 1985.

For a steelworker, Norm was a modern-day renaissance man, led a fascinating life and was always ahead of his time. He was drafted into the Army in 1958 where he famously served active duty with Elvis Presley until 1960, from basic training in Fort Hood, Texas, taking the troop train to New York, then the transport ship to Germany, where they were stationed. It was the height of Elvis Presley’s popularity and every stop was filled with mobs of fans.

In the ‘60s, Norm took up the game of golf, trying to follow in the steps of Arnold Palmer, and became a scratch golfer with a perfect swing. Golf was a passion for the rest of his life. In retirement he worked at South Park Golf Course and Duquesne Golf Club, now Westwood, so he could always play a few rounds, chip and practice his putting. He also worked in the golf department at Dick’s Sporting Goods, giving advice on clubs and sharing his love of the game. He played in numerous tournaments and outings, winning several senior events. Despite failing health, he was thrilled to play in the annual Lions Club annual Darrell Hess Scramble one last time in June 2017 at Westwood.

In the early ‘70s, before the skiing craze took hold, Norm was skiing in Aspen when it was still a sleepy mining town. He became an expert skier, and for forty years he continued to take regular ski trips out west, where he loved the powder and sunshine. Vermont, he found, was just too cold.

Norm was an all-around great athlete, played basketball and wrestled in high school, then mastered every trend that came along, from tennis, to skateboarding to disco dancing. He had a patented dance move of pretending to dribble and shoot a basketball that made everyone laugh.

By the mid ‘80s, Norm started collecting wine and made annual visits to Napa Valley. It was a time of no crowds and tastings were free. He loved Cabernet Sauvignon and shipped cases home from the top wineries. His collection includes wines from Dominus, Shafer and Plumpjack. He opened a prized bottle of vintage Mouton Rothschild at Christmas. Norm loved sharing wine with friends and family, but wouldn’t let them pour too much so it didn’t go too fast.

Norm had many friends and was highly respected by all who knew him. He was always smiling, quick with a joke and sang all the time. He loved Frank Sinatra, the Four Freshman and all kinds of jazz, from Oscar Peterson to Dave Brubeck. He liked to collect guitars and Native American pottery, paint and cook, having attended chef school. Truly a renaissance man.

Norm was preceded in death by father Harry Beavers and mother Marie; sister Marlene Selai and brother Jimmy Beavers. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol Suray Beavers; his daughters Eileen Jennifer Beavers of Pittsburgh and Nancy Christine Beavers of Baltimore, Maryland; his treasured granddaughter Ciara Beavers of Robinson Township; his brother Harry (Barb) Beavers of West Homestead; his sister Karen Knox of West Mifflin; his brother-in-law Michael (Carol) Suray of Churchill; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 2-8 p.m. at George Irvin Green Funeral Home, 3511 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120.  A funeral service will be held there at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 8. Condolences can be made at:

www.georgeigreenfuneralhome.com

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