NORMAN ARTHUR LYFORD

Norman Arthur Lyford Sept. 24, 1929-Oct. 30, 2022 Dr. Norman Arthur Lyford, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away comfortably in the presence of his loving family on October 30th, 2022. Norman was a beloved son to his parents; an adored brother to his older sisters Dorothy and Evelyn; a loving husband to his wife Ellen; the best father imaginable to his two daughters Carolyn and Jeanne; a doting Grampy to his 5 grandchildren Andrew, Jonathan, Gregory, Michael and Lydia; a servant to his country; a pillar of his church; a learned Psychologist; devoted family man and a blessing to his community. Norman was born in the State Capital of Augusta, Maine on September 24th, 1929. He was the fourth child and only surviving son of Lydia Whitcomb and Charles Peck Lyford. He attended grade school in Augusta and graduated from Cony High School in 1947. He went on to study at Farmington State Teachers College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1952. While still an undergraduate, he took a position at Emerson Elementary School in Richmond, Maine as an 8th grade teacher and was promoted to Principal at the age of 21. While at Farmington he met the love of his life, Ellen Loraine Blue of Brownville Junction, Maine. They were married on June 21, 1952 and celebrated 64 years of marriage before she passed in 2017. After their wedding, Norman headed off for basic training in the United States Air Force where he worked as a Personnel Classification Specialist until his discharge in 1956. Norman then attended Purdue University where he earned The Degree Of Master of Science in Industrial Psychology in 1957. After graduation, Norman and Ellen moved to Philadelphia where he worked for Wyeth Laboratories as a Personnel Research Administrator. While in Philadelphia, Ellen and Norm became parents to daughters Carolyn Ellen in 1957 and Jeanne Elizabeth in 1960. He enrolled in evening classes at Temple University earning a Doctor of Education Degree in 1964. After earning his Doctorate Degree, Norman and his family moved to the Washington DC area where he accepted a position with the CIA. At this time Norman also resumed his work in the Air Force by joining the Air Force Reserves as a Captain. In 1970 Norman moved with his family to Maine and started a private practice as an Industrial Psychologist. In 1983 he received a call asking him to return back to Virginia and the CIA, which he accepted and where he worked until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 71. In 1990 Norman and Ellen joined Saint David’s Episcopal Church. At the time there was no physical church building on the sacred ground that now includes both a school and a church. This place of worship was of utmost importance to them and they were regular attendees. Norman was involved for many years with the Shepherd Group there, whose members he had the utmost respect for and learned so much. His post retirement years were spent being an exemplary family man. He was always there for his family no matter what trials and tribulations came their way. He lovingly took care of Ellen during her 9 year illness with Alzheimer’s Disease. He took her everywhere with him and his tender care so moved his community that strangers would treat them with meals and goodies which they would greatly enjoy. After her death in 2017, he would kiss a photo of her each morning upon getting out of bed. The loss of her after their 64 year marriage was felt immensely. He delighted in time with his grandchildren and spent a great deal of time talking with them or taking them out for lunch. He made yearly car trips to Maine to visit with family. He never turned down the opportunity to meet a friend or family member for coffee or a meal at a favorite restaurant. Norman is survived by his two daughters Carolyn Lyford Sullivan of Ashburn, Va. and Jeanne Lyford Lambert and son-in-law Marc Lambert of Falmouth, Maine; five grandchildren: Andrew, Michael, and his only granddaughter Lydia Sullivan; Jonathan and Gregory Lambert all of whom never got too old to call him “Grampy”; Nephews Barry (Judy) and David (Vivian) Dennett; David, Roddy and Malcolm Blue and Nieces Susan Watson, Jane Fennessey, Debbie Blue, Karen Blue and Elizabeth Blue Whitney; and sister-in-law Una Blue. He was predeceased by both of his parents Lydia Whitcomb and Charles Peck Lyford, and his sisters Dorothy and Evelyn. Norman’s life cannot be done justice in just one page. Remarkable as it was, he was his proudest and happiest when he was being a “Dad” and “Grampy.” His legacy is his desire to love and help others and we are all richer for having known him. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 12th 2022 at 1PM at Saint David’s Episcopal Church 43600 Russell Branch Pkwy., Ashburn, Virginia 20147. Rev. Mary Kay Brown will be officiating. Burial will be there at the historical church cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint David’s Episcopal Church at the address above or the Eastern Loudoun County Adult Day Center at 45140 Bles Park Drive Ashburn, Virginia 20147, (checks to be made out to Loudoun County with “Eastern Loudoun County Adult Day Center” written on the memo line) a place Norman often spoke very highly of having witnessed the professional and compassionate care they provided for his wife Ellen during her years of need. Share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

NORMAN ARTHUR LYFORD

September 24, 1929 - October 30, 2022