Obituary: Norman Francis Boyd

By Heather Cass

Norman Francis Boyd, a third generation native San Franciscan, died peacefully Nov. 11. He was 80 years old. Norman lived in San Francisco until moving to Novato. In 2007, he moved to Livermore, where he was lovingly cared for by his niece Heather, nephew-in-law Brian, grandnephew Blake and favorite dog Cass.

Norm immersed himself in local culture of Hawaii. He took great pride in participating in the building and launching a Wa'akaulua and the Heiau. Norman studied for his mariner's pilot’s license. He was an avid deep sea fisherman and appeared in the Hawaiian Times for his record catches including a prized 587-pound marlin.  Norman also fished at the Farallones and in San Francisco Bay. Norman loved the Giant’s and NASCAR (#24 J.G.), but his favorite team was the 49ers, so it is fitting he finished out his last year with them in Candlestick.

Norm loved food and was a great cook.  Upon graduation from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in 1953,  Norman served in the Korean War and received his diploma with his lifetime best friends Charles Cid (Betty) and Father Capitalo.

Norman worked for the San Francisco’s water department for over 35 years. Prior to completion of his journeyman plumbers apprenticeship he worked at Southern Pacific Railway.  An active member of Local # 38 he frequently served on the Plumbers Picnic Committee at  Konocti Harbor in Clearlake. Norman is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Geraldine Boyd, mother-in-law Constance Tourney Boyd, and sister, Lisbeth and niece Judith.

He is survived by his uncles Tom and Terry O’Connell,  aunt Adrienne Antonini, sisters Roberta R. Boyd & Lauren McLachlan (Kevin), nieces Karen Wonacott (Scott),  Maribeth Cook (Joel), Heather Cass (Brian), Cheyenne Bryant (Jeremy), nephews Edward Johnston II,  Kenneth Johnston (Maria), David McHenry (Kristen), cousin Tino O'Connell, grandnephews Joey Cook, Kevin Cook, Marcus Rosenbaum, Aedan Bryant. grandniece Krystal Haselbach (Karl), grand nephew, Blake Cass, and great-grand nephew Kaelen Haselbach.

A private service is planned is planned with interment at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Services will be announced soon. There will be a Celebration of life in Livermore for local friends and a formal service held at ST. Ignatius Chapel 2001 37th Avenue San Francisco, CA  94116 with reception to follow at the Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116.

Donations may be made to St. Ignatius College Prep,  In loving memory of Norman Boyd Class of ’53.