Cdr. Norman R. Gearhart, U.S.N. (ret), passed away Jan. 3, 2009, at a private residential care home in Camarillo, Calif., after a long illness. He was 79.

Norm was born on Oct. 3, 1929, in Auburn, Ind., and was the eldest of three children. He graduated with a B.S. in nautical science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Norm joined the Navy in 1947 and traveled the world by sea and air throughout his 30-year career. His love for and skill in photography enabled him to fly photo recon during the Korean War. A pilot and leader for most of his naval career, Norm was awarded the following: the Bronze Star; Air Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; Korean Presidential Unit Citation; Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; and the Chinese Navy’s Hai Feng Medal. His last assignment was at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif., where he served as the base executive officer and retired in 1977. After retirement, Norm and his wife, Merrion, started a company called Reminiscence. They designed, manufactured and marketed miniature furniture, a very popular collector hobby in the ’80s. This allowed Norm to continue to use his photography skills, traveling the U.S. for trade shows and Taiwan for the manufacturing. They retired the business in 1988. The following years were spent with great joy as a grandfather (over and over), on his boat fishing, pursuing photography, playing with his computer, collecting every new gadget, and orchestrating wonderful annual family reunions.

Norm’s character reflected his Lord, whom he now sees face-to face. He is survived by his wife, Merrion; daughters, Michelle (Jim) Reeves, Denise (Dan) Rohrer, Stacy (Brian) Phelps, Dana (Marc) Goodman,; and son Steve (Joanie Serena) Gole. He is further survived by grandchildren, Travis Albee (Rohrer), Brittany, Haley and Carly Rohrer; Lane and Kyle Goodman; Ian, Jordan, Connor and Cole Phelps; Alex Serena, Camryn Serena and Lea Beth Gole; great-granddaughter, Cadence Phelps; and sister, Lou Ann Gearhart. In addition, extended family include the Flowers family — Tom Jr., Carole, Tom III, Serena (Williams), Tamara, Bob and Tom IV; Gearhart family — Darla, Jed and Bret, Rick Gulick and Debi Knowles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Marion Gearhart; brother Ronald Gearhart, granddaughter, Blair Goodman; and nephews, Eric and Blake Gearhart.

His song may have ended but his melody will linger on.