Obituary of Norman Lee Carle

Resident of Scotts Valley A gentle and humble man has been transferred to his heavenly home. Norman Lee Carle was born in Fresno to George (a native of Scotland) and Iva Mae (Miller) Carle. In his first six years he and his family lived in various towns in the San Joaquin Valley before moving to Santa Cruz in 1930. The family lived in the Live Oak-Twin Lakes area and attended Twin Lakes Baptist Church. Norman attended Live Oak Elementary School through the 8th grade and then Branciforte Junior High for the 9th grade. He attended Santa Cruz High School where he took a lot of carpentry classes which would prepare him for his future. In 1943 Norman was drafted into the US Army and shipped overseas to the South Pacific island of Moratai where he remained until 1946. After the Army he began his adult life as a carpenter, eventually getting his contractor's license. He built about 50 homes in the Santa Cruz County area including a new house for his parents and both houses in which he would raise his family. In 1957 he met and married Lois Stitt and they raised 4 children together. He was a great father to his children who were very important in his life. In 1960 Norman partnered with his brother, Bob, in founding Riverside Lighting and the in the acquisition of rental property. In 1977 his brother's family bought his shares of the retail store but he remained active with the management of the rental property. In 2010, wishing to downsize from the large family home, he and Lois moved to Spring Lakes Park in Scotts Valley. Norman is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lois; three daughters, Linda, Rhonda and Brenda; one son, Steve (Danelle); five granddaughters: Jessica, Courtney & Stephanie Carle, and Heather & Samantha (Cather) Keener; two grandsons: Danny & Eric Barbin; and 2 great-grandchildren: D.J. & Lyla. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob. The family would like to thank the Visiting Angels, Hospice of Santa Cruz, Sutter VNA, the Paramedics and especially his daughter-in-law, Danelle who cared for him so lovingly in her home for his last month. Contributions in Norman's memory can be sent to Hospice or the 2020 Vision at Twin Lakes Church. A graveside committal service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at 2 PM at Oakwood Memorial Park, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz.