Obituary of Norman-C. Sanborn

SEAL HARBOR - Norman C. Sanborn, 66, died March 14, 2008, in Seal Harbor, after a courageous two and a half year battle with lung cancer. He was born May 10, 1941, in Portland, the son of Clyde M. and Doris (Vashon) Sanborn. He attended grammar school on Cranberry Island, Fifth Street Junior High and Bangor High School, where he managed the Rams 1959 basketball state champions. He belonged to a fraternity and formed a popular musical group, which entertained many a gathering. Upon graduation, he joined the Navy and served from July 1959 to July 1963 aboard destroyers. It was during this time that Norman made his first trip across the equator aboard the USS Jonas Ingram. He was aboard the first U.S. Naval vessel to visit Africa after World War II. And he participated in the U.S. effort to escort the removal of Russian nuclear missiles after the Cuban missile crisis. After returning to Maine, the sea once again beckoned and he became a lobsterman. He was a founding member of Cranberry Isles Fisherman's Co-op. He served on the Cranberry Isles school board and was a volunteer fireman. Years later he worked as a captain aboard the yacht Beaujoane. Later he captained the sailboat Morning Star and then the motor vessel of the same name while also serving as harbormaster of Seal Harbor for 10 years. He was a member of DeMolay, Anah Temple Shrine, Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies, Hancock County Shrine Club, Acadia Chapter 31 and a life member of Tremont Lodge No. 77, Southwest Harbor, where he was a past Master. Norm's love of the ocean was surpassed only by the love he felt for his family, especially his three children and four grandchildren, who gave him great joy. He is survived by his beloved companion, Jane Smith Zirnkilton. The mother of his children, Beverly Sanborn; daughters, Rebecca Jane Sanborn and Cherie Ann Sanborn Weed and husband, Steve, and their children, Benjamin Steven and Elizabeth Grace; his son, Norman Clyde Sanborn II and his wife, Kelly, and their children, Jessica Ann and Melanie Elyse; and his sister, Barbara Sanborn Joy and her husband, Irving, and their son, Jason. He will also be sadly missed by Buddy, his faithful German Shepherd. Norman was recently predeceased by his nephew, Irving Joy III. A memorial service will be held this summer on Cranberry Island. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norman's memory may be made to Shriner's Hospital, care of Anah Temple, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com.