Norman Horsley
SANTA BARBARA, California (Aug. 19, 2024)- Norman Horsley was a dedicated husband, father, Papa, friend and law enforcement officer, fueled by his faith in God and his love of family and traditions. He was born in September 1946, to Morris and Vera Horsley. He was the second born of three children and he grew up in California.
In his youth, he attended Pomona First Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Lynda Dunbar. The high school sweethearts later married in 1966 and began their lives together in Pomona.
After serving in the US Navy as an electronics technician aboard the U.S.S. Mt. McKinley, in 1965, Norm began his law enforcement career with the Montclair Police Department. He and Lynda moved to Santa Barbara County in 1973 and Norm began his career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department. He attained the rank of Chief Deputy overseeing the Law Enforcement branch and later retired in 2005.
Throughout Norm’s life, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies such as hunting in his childhood, motorcycling (including desert racing), flying his Taylorcraft airplane, photography, and perfecting his expert level marksmanship. His longest lasting interest was working on his various hot rods and he enjoyed attending and participating in car shows. It brought him joy to gather with his car buddies and other friends he made along the way. Closest to his heart though, was the annual family tradition of camping at Camp Edison, Shaver Lake.
To the very end, Norm thanked God for all He gave him. He cherished his family, taught us all about Jesus, and took his role as provider and protector very seriously. He taught us all to work hard and with integrity. Norm’s face would light up in the presence of or mention of his grandchildren. He loved them beyond words and couldn’t wait to see each of them, to support them, to celebrate their accomplishments, to give them hugs or shower them with blessings.
We thank you for your continued prayers as we grieve our loss and rejoice that he is with our Lord and Savior. Norm’s last word was, “Wow!” Our hope is that you all might share this sense of joy and wonder when your final moment is reached.
Norm is survived by his wife, Lynda, his children Edward and Barbara, as well as his younger brother, Charles, and grandchildren; Madilynn, Jonathan, Lily, and Abigail. Norm was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Vera Horsley, and sister, Carolyn.
Norm’s celebration of life service will be held on October 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Santa Barbara Community Church 1002 Cieneguitas Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93110.