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Norman Balzer, 71, a long-time resident of Armona passed away peacefully in his home on February 21, 2009 after a year and a half long, hard fought battle with cancer. He was born in Corn, Oklahoma on July 8, 1937 and at age 11 moved with his family to Reedley where he graduated from Reedley High School in 1955.

Norm married the love of his life, Marylee Jepsen on September 17, 1960 and they established their home in Hanford. Norm had joined the Army National Guard following high school, was called to active duty in July 1962 and reported to Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crisis. He spent the next 10 months with Marylee and daughter at his side, later returning to Hanford when his duty ended.

Norm was known as an incredible automobile mechanic starting at Foreign Automotive in Hanford and later moving to Rod Rimmer Cadillac. In 1978 Norm and several partners established Classic Imports where he worked until retiring in 1999. He kept his customers happy and built many lasting friendships. He was also an avid race car driver starting out with auto crossing, moved on to sports car racing and eventually vintage car racing in his "vintage years". He was always on hand to help out fellow drivers who sought his expertise. Norman was known as a man's man, strong when he needed it, but loyal and loving to the core. Norm and his wife always planned their travels to include races, be they in Europe or North America.

Norm is survived by his wife and best friend, Marylee; daughter, Debra Mouret and grandchildren, Maximilien, Sophie and Christelle, of Morro Bay; mother, Ida Balzer of Clovis; sister, Barbara Swan and brother-in-law, Bob of Clovis; brother, Gary Balzer and sister-in-law Deanna of Hanford; niece, Michelle Smith and her husband, Paul of Clovis; nephew, David Triplitt, wife Traci and their children, Dawson and Toryn of Fresno. He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Balzer. Norm's family also consisted of all his many close friends who shared his passion for racing along with the sharing of good food and wine.

A special thank you to Dr. Allan Knudson, Dr. Daniel Schlund, Dr. Laleh Shaban, Hanford Imaging, Adventist Health Hospice, Loma Linda University Hospital and their staffs for all their care, treatment and compassion during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the Armona United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take your best friend out to dinner and toast Norm, Marylee and family, remembering the great times had by all

Arrangements are under the direction of People's Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty, Hanford, Ca 93230 (559) 584-5591.