HIRAM- Norman Paul Frizzell, “Norm/Noah”, age 66, “went up to the Spirit in the Sky,” on November 13th, 2017 surrounded by the people he cherished most, his family.
Noah was born on April 8th, 1951 in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire, the impish son of Gordon and Joyce (Jackson) Frizzell. He was raised with five siblings, and lived next door to twelve Aunts and Uncles who were as close as siblings. He deeply cherished his Grandmother Polly and accredits her for much of his perspective on life. He always felt drawn to his roots, as it was here his love of life, family, and God began.
After graduating from Canaan Memorial High School, Canaan, VT, Noah went on to attend college at the University of Maine in Orono, majoring in Mathematics and Physics. He began his professional career teaching mathematics in St. Petersburg, FL and Hampton, NH. He was the first external candidate to be trained as a computer programmer for Casco Bank in Portland, ME, and also worked in IT for Maine National Bank. In the early 1980’s, he left the banks for an IT position with UNUM Insurance Company, Portland, ME. Noah worked for them until the end of September when his terminal cancer and mundane meetings made continuing his career too exhausting.
Noah married Ann (Marin) Frizzell in 1975, and together they nurtured a loving marriage for 42 years- 42 years of waiting for her nails to dry. They were blessed with three children; Matthew Frizzell, Emily Frizzell-Day and Adam Frizzell. Family was a deep passion for Noah and he was always happiest being surrounded by their love and sarcastic banter. He was an incredibly selfless father, attending every athletic game, concert, church play, or special event his children ever had.
Later in life, he greatly enjoyed his family growing to include one son-in-law, Brian Day, two daughters-in-law, Jennifer (Coty) Frizzell, and Chantel (Hoffman) Frizzell, as well as seven grandchildren; Caleb, Savannah, Keegan, Cullen, Skyler, Charlotte and Jackson.
Having grown up in Northern New Hampshire, Noah was drawn to the mountains. He was an avid hiker and was proud to have accomplished climbing the top 100 highest peaks in New England. He especially treasured Mount Katahdin and felt it essential to help his loved ones and many Boy Scouts conquer this hiking challenge. After receiving his terminal cancer diagnosis, he was able to enjoy a family trip to the Scottish Highlands, fulfilling a lifelong desire to see the mountains of his ancestors.
Noah enjoyed golfing, genealogy, playing guitar (while his grandchildren danced), running, traveling, family reunions, bad-Dad jokes, his truck, laughing, trying new foods, BBQing and watching New England sports teams win.
As he shared in his final days, he felt ready to join his parents in heaven with the Lord, and had no regrets about his time here. His life was well lived and he leaves a legacy of pure love. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing this good man.
Noah is survived by his sisters; Cheryl and husband Wayne Reno, Barbara Friz-Ellison, Patsy and Ron Newhart and Janis and Steve Goshorn, and his brother, Gordon Frizzell and wife Pauline. He also leaves many beloved Aunts and Uncles of the Jackson clan.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, November 20th at the Poitras, Neal and York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St. (Rt.25), Cornish, Maine. A gathering time will start at 2:00pm, with the memorial service beginning at 3:00pm.
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (see pancan.org).