Dayville – Norman J. Provost, 89, of Provost Lane, died Friday, July 4, 2014 in Day Kimball Hospital. He is the loving husband of Dolores (Balick) Provost. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Emery and Rose (Cote) Provost.
Norman attended schools in Killingly. He joined the CT Divison of National Guards in 1948. In 1950 while at Camp Pickett in Virginia, the Army asked for volunteers to form a new elite group of soldiers call “The Rangers”. 1,400 men volunteered from the CT 43rd division and only 131 men made it through all phases of the harsh Ranger training which included airborne jumping, survival training, mountain training, and climbing. Graduation was at Camp Carson, Colorado and all new Rangers were given the Ranger Tab, Parachute wings and an elite black beret. Rangers were the 1st to jump behind enemy lines in Korea in 1951.
After discharge he was elected Memorial Affairs Officer for the Rangers for R.I.C.A of the Korean War for the New England area. He held the post for 20 years.
He was a life member of Danielson VFW. After the Korean War he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers #478 as a member for 38 years. At the same time he owned and operated True Life Taxidermy in Dayville. He was a lifetime hunter and fisherman, hunting out West, Alaska, and Canada. He himself built 4 homes for his family and 3 children along the Wheatstone Brook in Dayville. Norman retired in 1987 and started out on a 6 week trip by car to Alaska, which was on his bucket list.
Norman is survived by his wife of 62 years Dolores (Balick) Provost; his devoted son and best friend Roger Provost and his wife Helen of Dayville; two very loving daughters Elyne King of Dayville and Michele Soyden and her husband Ron of Brooklyn; three grandchildren who were the love of his life, Sarah Harwood of Dayville, James King and his wife Yalina of Boston, MA and Joseph Provost of Dayville.
He was predeceased by his grandson, Scott David King, brothers, Lucien and Edgar Provost; and sister, Dora Parren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Church, Dayville. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Dayville. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
The Wojtcuk Family
It is a very hard passage of life to lose a Daddy and Granddaddy. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Roger and Joe, and your family. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Casey Huchko
Roger, Helen and Joe.
It is with deepest sympathy that I send this message to you. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially one who was involved in many things. I did not know your Dad or Grandad personally but met him a few times at functions. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Casey
Herm Boldt
Norm was a great soldier, RANGER and friend, RIP Lucky
Fred S. McDonald
My condolence to Dolores and the family. I served with Norman in the 13th Ranger Company and later in
Ranger events in and out of Connecicut. The thing I always admired most about “Lucky” was that he
would always speak the truth about something, even if you did not want to hear it. God bless you and
hold you old Ranger.
David and Kathy Reynolds
Roger, Helen, and Joe,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was wonderful man. He was always so active. He will be greatly missed
David and Kathy Reynolds
Shirley Thompson
Norman, a man of great honor and integrity. His knowledge and values helped to inspire many young people over the years (including my son), who looked up to him with admiration and respect. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
De Villez family
We are very sorry for your lost.
Mr. Mrs. Tim & Dayla Bates
So sorry for your loss.
Our prayers. hope. strength. luck and love are with you and your family from ours.
God Bless you all.
Mr. Mrs Timothy e.& Dayla j. Bates Sr