Norman S. Wakeman Obituary

We are sad to share the news that Norman Snow Wakeman, of Willow, Alaska, passed away on May 9th, 2023, three days after his 88th birthday. Norman, “Norm” was born on May 6, 1935, to Harold and Gertrude Wakeman in Claremont, New Hampshire.

After high school Norm earned his teaching degree from Keene State College. After college, he went on to Woodstock Vermont where he taught woodshop along with being a ski coach and driver’s education instructor. Norm left teaching and moved on to the US Department of Soil Conservation Service, where he later retired.

In 1957, he met Marion Sprague at Keene State College and were married on May 30, 1958. Norm and Marion went on to have two children, Norman Jr, and Jon.

Norm loved the outdoors and was an accomplished hiker having summited more than 50 mountains over 4000 ft in elevation in New England. During his earlier years, he spent several vacations canoeing and camping in the Canadian wilderness with his family. He was an instructor with Project Challenge, a similar program to Outward Bound, for Steven’s High School for many years, and a Hunter Safety instructor for the state of New Hampshire. Other hobbies include skiing, gardening, woodworking, hunting, shooting sports, and HAM radio operator.

Norm was a true patriot serving his beloved country for more than 30 years in the Army Reserves and retired as Command Sargent Major.

Norm moved to Willow, Alaska over 20 years ago. He took pride in his Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) role. He was part of the original Willow CERT, active from 2004-2006, and joined the new team when it was formed in 2015. Norm served 3 years on the WACO Board as Vice Chair, responsible for the Willow Community Center. He was a vital part of the CERT Communication Team and a 17-year Matanuska Amateur Radio Association (MARA) member ready to assist in any disaster. Norm affectionately known as Grandpa Norm was crowned 2022 “King” of the 60th annual Willow Winter Carnival for his commitment to community service in Willow.

He was truly a kind man whose impact will be forever felt by his family, friends, and neighbors. His willingness to help others and to serve his community will always be remembered.

Norm is survived by two sons, Norman Jr and Jon, sister, BJ (Betty Jean), granddaughter Candice, and two great-granddaughters Jaden and Giuliana.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Willow Community Center 69.5 Parks Highway in Willow on Saturday, June 10th 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00pm.