On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, after a long and fierce battle with cancer, Norman Stuart Strouse, 71, “just rested his eyes” for the last time in the home of his caregiver in Morgantown.
He is survived by his children, Sam Strouse, of Pittsburgh, and Nick Strouse, of Sandpoint, Idaho; his siblings, Warren Strouse, of Edinburg, Ohio, Carolyn Abbe, of Plainfield, Ind., and Kathryn Strouse, of Ravenna, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Born Nov. 20, 1950, in Ravenna, Ohio, Norm was a son of the late Warren and Joan Hayner Strouse.
Norm’s list of experiences is far longer than can be contained in an obituary. He was a man of adventure and expedition; cycling and backpacking through the countryside, scaling mountains, descending into caves and wandering across the Earth like a man who knew he belonged in the wild. For many years, he shared his knowledge and love of the outdoors at National Youth Science Camp, leading courses on climbing, marksmanship and other outdoor and survival skills. Even as his ability to journey into the wilderness declined in his later years, he still used his skills to help others by volunteering with the local search and rescue team.
A true Jack of all trades, Norm could build or fix just about anything, and if he couldn’t make it himself, he could at least keep it running. His work as a contractor and handyman can be found in homes and apartments all over Morgantown and beyond. No matter the job, Norm could take care of it, and he’d find a way to make it affordable. You’d probably even be friends by the time he was done.
Norm’s impact on the world was far more than he himself ever admitted to out loud, but the void left behind by his passing is vast and will be felt for years to come by those fortunate enough to know him.
Though his request of a Viking burial had to be turned down, his second choice of cremation wasn’t, and care and guidance for his family are being handled by Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover/Morgantown. Memorial plans are incomplete at this time, but will be announced later on the funeral home’s website, www.smithfcc.com.
