Norman Charles Mayhew Jr.

After a courageous & valiant battle with Leukemia, our little brother left this earth to return to the loving arms of our father.

Norman was born September 4, 1967, in Downingtown, PA, to Norman Charles Mayhew, Sr and Eva Marie Lewis. Dad quickly nicknamed him "Jitterbug" because Norman never sat still.  He was intellectually curious, boldly adventurous, unusually witty, and rascally humorous, and our culinary artist in the kitchen.  You never knew what was cooking, but many can attest that it was always delicious.  When Norman wasn't working, mostly construction, he delighted himself exploring many mountains and streams, fishing, hunting, or camping with a very lucky dog by his side, always.  Recently Norman found old and rusted out, just throw it in the dump outboard motors and could restore them to running condition and paint them up that any Johnson showroom would be proud to display.  Norman took pride in any little thing he owned, his home, yard and vehicles were always kept in pristine condition.  

Norman would help anyone with anything and always made the most tedious tasks just fun and finished to perfection.  We will forever miss him coming into our garages and rearranging our things to his liking.  Our little brother had a solid probity for doing the right thing and wouldn't hesitate to call someone out when their moral compass went astray.

He was very independently stubborn, and as his siblings, we are still baffled at how, in the world, all of our father's stubbornness bypassed us three and ended up entirely in our little brother.  It is what helped him through 18 months of chemo, and he trumped through it all until a rare fungal pathogen entered his lungs.  Our only comfort in our devastating loss is knowing he is finally free of pain and suffering. As a family, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the many panels of doctors and angelic nurses for your compassion and help, from Pocatello to Salt Lake and in between, that provided his care during this time.

Norman was the fun, entertaining uncle with a nickname for everyone, and he enjoyed taking his nephews fishing and exploring.  The things they brought home from their adventures will be treasured always.  Norman only had to text 2 words to his favorite niece: "Mmm, cheesecake," and she always obliged in making him his favorite dessert. Norman served several years in the Preston National Guard and maintained many friendships throughout his life. He had a healthy pride and respect for our country.  Thank you for your service. 

Norman is survived by his brothers, Jeff and Bruce; his sister Kimberly; his nephews, Dustin and Jason; his only niece, Ericka; and his beloved pup, Wile-e. Relatives, several great friends, and neighbors we can add to our list of people who will miss him. A very special thanks to Elaine, whom he called Mom, for enduring all his many hi-jinks; he loved playing on you. 

As per his request, a service will not be held, but in true typical Norman fashion, he wants his ashes spread at the confluence of the Yellowstone & Missouri rivers so as to go to both sides of the United States and end up in the ocean.  RIP, our dear little brother, until we meet again.  Love you. 

Please share a favorite memory of Norman or offer condolences to the family by leaving a tribute on this page.