Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Norman Merritt Banks was born to Lenore and Larkin Banks in Los Angeles in 1928. Norm joined older sister Barbara in the family. Soon, they moved to Glendale and later to North Hollywood where there was plenty of room to ride horses and enjoy family pets. His first dog was named "Mischief," and there were many horses and dogs over the years. Norm always held a great appreciation of the outdoors and loved nature. He had a good upbringing and always had a gratitude for family.

By the time he was in high school, he was a star athlete who played football. He was written up in the LA Daily News and as the quarterback, he was captain of the football team. When Norm attended summer school, he met the love of his life. Her name was Nancy Mathews. She attended high school in Van Nuys while he attended school in North Hollywood. It was love at first sight. Norm was very talented and played the trumpet, coronet and bugle. Music brought the couple together. They also enjoyed dancing and spending time together at the beach. With a smile, Nancy describes Norm as a "Dreamer" his entire life. After a few years, the couple was ready to take the next step. Norm and Nancy were married on January 28, 1950 in Sherman Oaks, where they exchanged the traditional vows. Together, they made a beautiful couple. After a honeymoon in San Francisco, the couple was soon living in Pacific Beach while Norm was stationed in San Diego with the Navy during the Korean War.

Norm graduated from Los Angeles City College and UCLA. He also spent 50 years working in the lending and escrow business. Over the years, the couple did everything together and Norm loved every minute of it. After Norm's two years in the Navy, the couple returned to Sherman Oaks and later bought a home in Woodland Hills. Together, they loved and raised their three daughters: Claudia, Jenny and Colleen. Norm always loved his children as he was the kind of dad they could talk to no matter what. He was filled with unconditional love because family was always the best part of his life. He made time for his wife and loved her with all of his heart every day of his life. By the time their grandchildren came along, he made sure to be a part of their lives as well. His older grandchildren especially remember the pool parties at the Northridge house, where they learned how to swim. All of his grandchildren love him so much and he took their interests seriously as he attended sporting events, school ceremonies and passed along his kindness and generosity to the next generation. He will be remembered forever by each one of his grandchildren: Tamara, Jeremy, Cassandra, Eric, Gable, Justin, Jared and Jordan. Norm and Nancy also lived in Canyon Country and for the last two years they have enjoyed time in their home in Santa Clarita.

Norm Banks will be remembered as a loving person who was dedicated to his family. For his wife, Nancy, he was her best friend and partner in life as they were together for sixty amazing years. His wish for others was always their happiness because he had appreciation for his family and friends. His family will miss his presence, but especially his giving spirit, endless energy and support. Memorial donations are welcome to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org.