Obituary of Norman Lee Peercy

Norman Lee Peercy

June 7, 1935 – July 30, 2023

 

      Norman Lee Peercy, 88, passed away fully into the Light, in the presence of his wife, Katie, at dawn on July 30, 2023.  The day before he had spent loving time with his daughter, Lee Anne, and son, Noel.

      Norman was born in Cortez, CO, to Harold and Dorothy Peercy.  He loved the Colorado mountains and four-wheeling and could never stay away from Colorado for long.  In 1961, he married Barbara Anne Jones in Greeley.  They were blessed with daughter, Lee Anne, and son, Noel.  And after a few years in Kansas and Missouri, they permanently moved back to Greeley, CO, in 1969, where Barbara later passed away.  Norman married Katherine Diana Scott in 1986 and they permanently resided in Greeley.

      He received a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Northern Colorado in English, and a Ph.D. in English and Linguistics from the University of Kansas.  In 1969, he returned to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley as a Professor in the English Department, retiring June 30, 2018.  At one point he was Chair of the English Department, and he held two consecutive terms as Chair of the Faculty Senate. He was a fierce supporter of faculty rights and of students’ rights.  He won many Outstanding Professor awards from the students, including Professor of the Year twice, which meant a great deal to him.

      His last research interests focused on showing how advances in physics were being incorporated into fictional works and introduced in that way to the public.  He had a life-long great love of books and reading, and you could always find him ensconced in one at all hours of the day and night!

      He was also a musician, playing keyboard, saxophone, and clarinet.  For many years, he ran his own band, who played all over the Front Range.  And he was sought after by music students to be on their dissertation committees.

      Norman was also a natural athlete. He was a great basketball player, exceled in track and field, received a university scholarship in football, won a Golden Gloves in boxing, and for a while was a semi-pro boxer.  He worked out at the Conditioning Spa and then VASA until the very end.

      He spent his years helping others -- his family, students, faculty, and friends.  He spent much time participating in community service work both at the university and in Greeley.  Many loved him and were very grateful to him.

      Norman was predeceased by his parents, his older brother Richard Peercy, his first wife Barbara Peercy, and his grandson Mason Rugel.  He is survived by his wife Katie Peercy, daughter Lee Anne Rugel, son Noel Peercy, granddaughter Meghan Rugel, and younger brother David Peercy.

      The Family is holding private memorial services. To leave condolences with the family, visit NCCCremation.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman Peercy, please visit Tribute Store