Gayle Lynn Norman

June 2, 1955 — July 4, 2023

Bayfield

Gayle Lynn Norman passed away in a tragic accident on July 4, 2023 at the age of 68. She lived an adventurous and joyful life and will be greatly missed.

Gayle was born June 2nd, 1955 in Yuma, Arizona to Elaine Francis Weeks Norman and Charles Lon Norman. She was the middle child of two sisters, and their family of 5 lived in over 20 places before settling in Durango, Colorado in 1969. She graduated from Durango High School in 1973 with high honors and briefly attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying French Language and Literature, until she could no longer afford tuition. Upon her return to Durango, Gayle was hired as a Meter Reader for Western Colorado Power Company in 1974, which then became La Plata Electric Association in 1975. Gayle continued her education within the company, becoming an Engineering Aide, then Staking Engineer, working her way up to becoming Manager of Staking Engineering Services in her 47 year tenure. She was very proud of the fact that she was the only female staking engineer LPEA ever had and upon her retirement, she had trained 3 additional female staking engineers. She felt this was part of her legacy.

Gayle was incredibly smart and an amazing athlete. She was a member of Durango High School’s downhill ski team, and was chosen for the US Olympic ski team in downhill events when she was only 16 years old. Oh, how she loved to go fast! She hiked the Continental Divide trail from Pagosa Springs to Creede, using her survival skills to endure a freak snow storm. She also enjoyed softball, windsurfing, dirt biking, riding ATVs, motorcycle riding, jet skiing, and boating. She was very proud of becoming a certified SCUBA diver at the age of 61. This led her to dive all over the Caribbean islands, Mexico and the Red Sea in Egypt. Gayle wrote beautiful poetry, played the guitar, had a beautiful singing voice, and absolutely loved music of all kinds. Mesa Verde was her favorite place in Colorado. She was mechanically gifted and credited her dad for teaching her those skills. She could build, plumb and wire a house, fix the boat motor (once while out on the lake!) change her oil and fix small engines. She took an 18 year old houseboat and completely rebuilt it. She could grill you the best carne asada you have ever had.

Gayle was a consummate animal mom, rescuing over 40 cats and dogs in her lifetime. Her idea of a perfect evening was snuggled up on the couch with her animals all around her, watching Jeopardy. She was one tough cookie with a very tender heart. Once Gayle considered you a friend, that person could count on that loyalty and friendship lasting a lifetime.

Gayle is survived by the love of her life and wife of 27 years, Carrie Bergfalk, daughter Linnea and son-in-law Ryan Tuggle of Bayfield, CO, sister Linda (Ron) Sullenger of Salem, OR, sister Debra Norvell (Wayne Marshall) of Chico, TX, nephews Dustin (Andrea) Sullenger, Dan (Lisa) Sullenger of Salem, OR, nieces Kristin (Chad) Barber of Hughesville, MD and Taryn Norvell of Amarillo, TX, great nephews and nieces Joshua, Caleb, Luke, Kaden, Avery, Cristian, Ivy, and Little Luke Sullenger and Cole and Karlee Barber.

Gayle’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Bayfield Senior Center at 1:00pm on Sunday July 30th. Please wear your favorite Hawaiian/Island shirt or bright colors. Gayle would feel honored if you would donate to your local humane society or animal rescue in lieu of flowers.

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Make a donation to La Plata County Humane Society in memory of Gayle Lynn Norman

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Sunday, July 30, 2023

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

Pine River Senior Center

111 W South St, Bayfield, CO 81122

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