Norman Terrance Brimhall, 65, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix from a stroke. A viewing is scheduled from 6 to 8 o’clock tonight (March 13) at the Silver Creek Mortuary, 745 Papermill Road in Taylor. There will be an additional viewing at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, at the Taylor Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 309 W. Willow Lane, followed by the funeral at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Norman’s life. The gravesite ceremony will be held at Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery, on Center Street and 400 West following the funeral.
Survivors include his wife, Nedra; his children and their spouses, Swen and JenniLyn Gunderson, John and Melissa Young, Jason and Traci Brimhall, Sandi Brimhall, Robyn Brimhall, and Joseph and Traci Brimhall; 25 grandchildren; and his siblings, Chris, Neal and Shane Brimhall.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Ilene Brimhall, and his brother, Marlin Brimhall.
Norman was born on Oct. 17, 1949, in Winslow to Joseph Terrance and Ilene Tanner Brimhall. He graduated from Snowflake High School in 1967.
He then attended Brigham Young University on a full scholarship before he served a mission for the LDS church in the Central British Mission from 1968-1970.
When Norman returned, he attended Mesa Community College, where he met Nedra Flake, and they were married in the Mesa Temple on Nov. 18, 1971. Over the next 10 years, the couple welcomed six children into their home. His children remember him as a hard working, loving father who always watched over them. His ability to put babies to sleep earned him the nickname, the baby whisperer, and he would often be found holding them.
Norman graduated from Arizona State University in 1974 with a degree in accounting. He passed the CPA exam on his first attempt and worked as an accountant for several companies, including Kaibab, Brimhall-Palmer Construction and most currently with Hatch Construction.
Norman was revered by many as a wise, trustworthy confidante with a brilliant, uplifting smile. He was always generous with his means to those in need. He also liked to give his pingpong opponents a chance, but then would switch the paddle to his left hand (dominate hand) if the match got close. Norman was quick and enjoyed playing basketball, and even beat his grandkids and son last month in a game of speed. He took great pleasure in playing the guitar and singing, building fence, sitting by a fire and having large gardens. He was an active and dedicated member of the LDS church, where his favorite calling was financial clerk. His love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, could be felt through his service to others and his testimony will live on through his family.
Please send memories of Norman for the family to NormanBrimhallMemories@gmail.com.
