Obituary of Norman Penny

Norman Lee Penny was born to Gene & Dorothy Penny on November 18th 1951 in Burlington Colorado. He was the oldest in a family that included 4 brothers and a well-protected younger sister. He attended Burlington High School where “Storm’ in Normanâ€? graduated in 1970. Four years later he received his bachelor degree in business from the University of Colorado. After graduation, he took a job working for the Wall Street Journal first in Denver as assistant manager of circulation, then moving to Seattle as the manager of circulation. Later he moved to Holland to launch the Wall Street Journal Europe as circulation manager. Norm met Susanne Kreis in Seattle Washington in 1980 where they both were working for the Wall Street Journal. While living in Los Angeles they were married in Burlington in June of 1987. Norm & Susie wanted to raise their children in the town that he loved so much. In September of 1989 they moved back home where Norm began working for The Bank of Burlington eventually becoming a vice-president. In 1999 he graduated from the Graduate School of Banking. He enjoyed traveling with his family and continued to follow the University of Colorado Buffalos. Norm loved to watch and play with his children. Activities like playing catch, horseback riding, like he did just last week with Danielle, going to track meets with his daughter or walking along side her while she roller bladed brought him great personal joy. He looked forward to going to the lake with his family and took special joy in watching Brandon swim, play basketball and run track. As he watched Christopher wrestle or play football, Norm was always so supportive by giving him encouragement to succeed. Norm will be forever known as Burlington’s ‘first state wrestling champion’, which occurred in 1970. He accomplished this by perseverance and a dedication to excellence. These were qualities that would be displayed throughout his life. No matter what he did, he wanted it to be right. Always so particular! Rotary was an organization that truly inspired Norm to give of himself in service to others. Norm began as a Rotarian following, in the footsteps of his father. At one point in time, Norm, his father, three brothers, cousin Curt and Uncle John were all Rotarians. Norm served as President in 1994 and later accepted the position of secretary treasurer, which he held to this day. No matter who was president of the club, everyone knew it was Norm who humbly made sure things were going smoothly behind the scenes. He received the District Governor’s Rotarian Citation in 1999, as well as the Club Service Citation that year. In 2002, he was awarded the Outstanding Service award and it was no secret that he could have actually received it every year. Norm was active in community service including various committees of the United Methodist Church, board of directors of The Bank of Burlington, the board of the Burlington Housing Authority, Morgan Community College advisory board, secretary of the board of the Burlington fire protection district, DDI advisory board, member and president of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce who awarded him the “Tony Awardâ€? for his service. He was committed to his personal health by being very conscience about what he ate as well as making sure he regularly exercised. In the past two years he took up bicycling, which would become a passionate sport of his. Last summer he rode in the 120-mile Triple bypass ride from Evergreen to Avon. A few weeks ago, he rode in the 65-mile Elephant Rock ride outside Castle Rock. He loved the exhilaration that bicycling gave him and he often got up around 4:30 in the morning to ride with friends. Norm was doing something that he loved with one of the brothers he loved when he passed away on Saturday June 17, 2006. He will be terribly missed but always remembered with respect and love. He was preceded in death by his father Gene. Norm will be missed by his loving wife, Susie, adoring children, Christopher, Brandon and Danielle. His mother Dorothy. Brother Gary and son Preston. Brother Greg and wife, Tara and children Bryn, Hanna and Jansen. Brother Kevin and wife Jeana and children Noelle, Abbey and Cameron. Sister Julie and husband Daniel “Dubâ€? Kappel and children Daniel, Kerigan, Braden and Kellen. Along with a host of family and friends. Farewell until we meet again. Funeral services for Mr. Penny were held on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 10:30 AM at the Burlington United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeffrey Babb officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the church. Memorials may be made in Norm’s name to their children’s education fund and may be left at or sent to The Bank of Burlington.