Norman S. Beattie

Norman S. Beattie, a man whose life was marked by adventure, service, and an unwavering passion for connection and community, peacefully passed away on April 30, 2026, at his home in Springfield, Virginia. Surrounded by love, his final moments were shared with his devoted wife, Loruhama (Lori) O. Beattie, and his cherished daughter, Kirsten Jane Beattie Weeks. Born on February 25, 1934, in Elyria, Ohio, to Isaac Stuart Beattie and Mary Jane Moore Beattie, Norman's journey through life was as varied and rich as the landscapes he explored. Norman's early years were spent in Elyria, where he graduated from Elyria Central High School in 1952. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an Electronics Technician. His time in the Navy, which included monitoring Soviet airplanes in Alaska, earned him an honorable discharge in 1967. During these formative years, he also pursued higher education, entering college as a junior, thanks to the credits he earned during his service. In 1960, Norman married Patricia Dawn Mason, and together they welcomed their daughter, Kirsten. The family experienced life in different corners of the world, including being among the first Westerners to enter Nepal when it opened to the West. Norman's career took him across the globe, setting up radio towers in remote areas with International Telephone and Telegraph (IT&T). After returning to the United States in 1967, he embarked on a long tenure with Honeywell, Inc. as a Field Service Manager, followed by a role at Synetics, Corp, where he managed the U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Hotline until the mid-1990s. Norman's life took a transformative turn in the late 1970s when he joined Alcoholics Anonymous, embracing the 12-step program with sincerity and humility. This commitment not only changed his outlook on life but also allowed him to seek and grant forgiveness, focusing on the intangible treasures of life. His journey with AA made him a beacon of hope and support for others in the community. Norman was a man of many passions. He loved the thrill of flying his small airplane in Alaska, often accompanied by his beloved dog, Jack. Fishing in Lake Erie and Canada, camping in remote areas, and dancing in various styles filled his days with joy. He was known for his fearless and adventurous spirit and his love for collecting MGB Sports Cars and other cherished "toys." A dedicated member of several United Methodist Churches, most recently Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield, Virginia, Norman's faith was an integral part of his life. He was also a longstanding Mason and Shriner, and an honorary "Grandpa" to children in Homeschool Co-ops alongside his grandchildren, Isaac Rolfe Weeks and Phyllis Grace Weeks. Norman is survived by his loving wife, Lori, his daughter, Kirsten, her husband, Glenn Weeks, and his treasured grandchildren, Isaac and his wife, Nyomi, and Phyllis. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Norah Peak, and his first wife, Patricia. In honoring Norman's life, we invite those who wish to make a donation to Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization that played a pivotal role in his life transformation. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Lori for her unwavering care and love, which provided Norman with comfort and peace in his final years. A private ceremony will be held to celebrate Norman's life, reflecting the profound impact he had on those who knew him. As we remember Norman, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, service, and a boundless spirit that will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.