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Death Notice

NORMAN CHARLES OLIVER

Published on 26/11/2020

OLIVER Norman Charles Aged 92, of Honiton, previously Basingstoke, Saltash and Falmouth. Passed away peacefully on 13th November 2020. Beloved husband for 68 years, best friend and soulmate of Stella. The most truly wonderful dad of Gill and Kate, brilliant father in law of Ian, treasured Gramps/Grandad of Jenni, Dave, Hannah and Imogen and very proud Great Grandad to Heidi and Rudy. Teacher, deputy and headteacher. Past president of Falmouth Rotary, churchwarden, keen bowler, talented artist, enthusiastic gardener and devoted family man. So very loved and although our hearts are shattered, you'll be forever with us. Family flowers only but donations, if wished, to Parkinson's UK, c/o Layzell Funeral Services, Honiton EX14 1LZ (layzellfuneralservices.co.uk).


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Simon Downham November 28th, 2020
Simon Downham image
To all in the family,
I am very sorry to learn of your sad loss.
My last and indeed long-lasting memories of "Nobby" are from boyhood in the early 1960's in Basingstoke. I remember, Nobby, Stella and Gillian with fondness. I believe Gillian and I are the same age.
Nobby was one of the Queen Mary School Old Boys and therefore had much in common with my father, Malcolm Downham who was his contemporary and also a teacher (and later a headmaster).
Even as a boy I remember attending the QMSOB cricket matches. Other "old boys" were Ray Prowting, Ray "Cuckoo" Partridge, Johnny Hedges, Keith Galloway Ray “Tubby” Downham etc. Many of them went into the teaching profession.
My father, Malcolm died of a heart attack back in 1996. My Mother, Shirley nee Prowting is still alive and residing at the Rose Lawn Nursing Home in Sidmouth. My brother, Andy lives at Sidford, currently the landlord at the "Rising Sun" pub.
Nobby's own father, Charlie, moved into St Peter's road in Basingstoke in the 1960's to a 2 bedded terraced house just 2 doors away from us (probably at number 144). We were at 148. I recall Nobby, Stella and Gillian visiting him there. Even as a young child I distinctly felt affection towards the family. Nobby, Stella and Gill were friendly, open and warm and their company was refreshing.
I still live in Basingstoke, now semi-retired, working from home as a psychotherapist having worked almost 40 years in the local NHS in Basingstoke. I am married with 2 adult daughters leading their own lives.
I send my kind regards to all who were close to Nobby and will finish on the comforting thought that Jesus made a promise about a resurrection back to life (John 6:40 and 11:25)
Simon Downham
sd1957@ntlworld. com
07982 245 887