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Norman Higginson
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Hundreds turn out for ‘Our Norm’
KNOWN throughout Kentish Town as ‘Our Norm’ super senior caretaker Norman Charles Higginson was last week laid to rest.
To the haunting lyrics of the Nat ‘King’ Cole classic ‘Unforgettable’ his body was carried into a church packed to capacity and with standing room only spilling outside.
The 64-year-old, planning for his retirement after 30 years devoted service to Camden Council, died at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, after a brief illness.
‘Stormin’ Norman’s sudden passing left his family and the community he supported so well over the years, devastated and in shock.
Said a neighbour: “He was a pillar of society and a caring, conscientious, cheery friend who touched so many lives for the good and will be sorely missed.”
Norman lived in Castle Road, Kentish Town, and despite being an East Ender born within the sound of the Bow bells, was an ardent and knowledgeable ‘Gooner’.
He was always on a high when Arsenal triumphed. He was an accomplished darts player who also liked golf, a game of cards and caravanning.
As a caretaker on estates his power and efficiency, when he was younger, at pushing a broom, was ‘legendary’, recalled one grateful neighbour.
Such was his popularity that hundreds turned out for his moving funeral service, conducted by Father Graeme Rowlands, at East Finchley Cemetery.
He was buried amid a sea of floral tributes after a cavalcade of cars followed him to his final resting place.
A requiem Mass took place at Silas Church last Friday. .
Norman leaves wife Brenda, sons Jamie and Alan, and daughter Sarah.
Married for 38 years, he was thrilled by the company of toddler grandson Joshua.
Tragically he and Brenda were putting the final touches to their plans for joint retirement next year, when he died.
Jamie spoke to the congregation as a tribute to his Dad’s “loving nature and the helping hand he was always ready to offer to others”.
Close friend and workmate Barry Deller said: “Norm was a man of high values who set standards. He had no side. His character came from being of the people and for the people. Everyone benefited by his being, not least the thousands of council tenants who looked on him as a friend.”
DAVID ST GEORGE
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