Norman Robert Heibel

Norman Robert Heibel passed quietly in the night from a recently diagnosed cancer. As he did in life, he accepted his fate stoically and with great dignity. His unwavering faith sustained him through the ups and downs of life, including his final days.Everyone who came in contact with him was amazed at the joy that he gave off, right up to his final days. His smile and sense of humor were contagious. Norm is survived by his wife Harriette, his son Jake (Marci), two granddaughters Elle and Liv, his sister Marge Ruggles and his nephews Patrick Urdahl and Clay Fowler; his best friends Tom, Berry and Zach Murray; Dana and James Swain.

Norm had a wonderful career at the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, where he met his wife. His love of baseball was legendary in the family; he was a coach for his son's Little League team and for years he played on numerous softball teams, most recently on the Walnut Creek Creakers. He volunteered as a bowling and basketball coach for Special Olympics, served on mission trips to Costa Rica and Young Life camps, co-led Sunday School for developmentally disabled adults, and spent many years as an assistant Scoutmaster for his son's Boy Scout troop. He was an avid bicyclist and hiker, counting his time in the outdoors as among his happiest.  He traveled to Europe several times to support his wife's travel bug but was most content sipping a glass of wine watching a sunset from his deck overlooking the Carquinez Straits. He loved being a father, a role that he was custom-built for, and his pride and joy were his son and two beautiful granddaughters.

Norm felt blessed almost every day, even in his illness. He was most appreciative of the care he received from Hospice of the East Bay (Bobby, Sharnece) and the women from ComForCare (Kimberly, Ana). He loved the company that came alongside and brightened up his day these past few months. A Celebration of Life will be held to remember the joy and humor that Norm brought to those who knew him on April 18 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.

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