Friends bid Moe Norman Farewell

Waterloo

It was standing room as more than 400 friends and relatives came to say farewell to Canadian golf legend Moe Norman.

And like a gallery of fans surrounding the final green on the 18th hole, people packed the pews and aisles yesterday at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church.

At the front sat a simple wooden coffin, each corner adorned with a decorative golf scene. Norman lay inside the closed casket. Titleist driver in hand with golf balls by his side.

Those in attendance included Walter Gretzky, Canadian golf greats Gary Cowan, Nick Westlock and Cathy Shark as well as several members of the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Many had heard about Norman the golfer, but few knew the man. Niece Sandy De Corso did her best to show another side to the unique 35-year-old who died of heart failure last Sunday.

“He was referred to as the shy and eccentric, but the family knew him as a son, uncle and brother who had heart, soul and feelings,” she said. “I hope his life story has inspired people to embrace life’s differences.”