SALISBURY — Norman Ralph Lizotte, age 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at Shard Villa in Salisbury.
Norman was born in Georgia, Vt., on Feb. 6, 1938. He was the son of Albert and Viola (Rushford) Lizotte. As a young man he served in the Army National Guard.
From 1967 to 1978, Norman lived with his with wife and two daughters in Pittsford, Vt., and began a working career with Singer Sewing Machines in Rutland. He worked both in sales and repair. At this time he also began a long and passionate career breeding, raising and showing Morgan Horses.
In 1979, the family moved to a larger property in Salisbury, Vt., and at the same time, opened Orcutt’s Sewing Center in Middlebury, where he continued to expertly sell and repair sewing machines. Within a few years the family expanded to include three sons and two more daughters.
The new, larger property in Salisbury also allowed Norm to expand the size of his Morgan breeding program. He produced several foals a year for his own program and also offered breeding services to the surrounding horse community and beyond. Norm was most in his element standing ringside at a horse show chatting with people and watching the horses he bred win blue ribbons. He was a true steward of the breed and enjoyed sharing his knowledge. From bloodlines to general horse management, he would talk at length with anyone who sought his advice. Over the years, he developed many good friends throughout the horse community.
Norm also enjoyed buying and selling horse- and farm-related equipment, deer hunting and playing/singing Hank Williams tunes on his guitar. He also very much enjoyed joking around with people and making them laugh, especially children.
Surviving are four daughters: Robin Callahan of Rutland, Vt.; Kimberly Camp of Brandon, Vt.; Stephanie Richardson of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Natasha Lizotte of Florence, Vt.; three sons, Randy Lizotte of St. Albans, Vt., Jason Lizotte of Tallahatchie, Miss.; and Christopher Lizotte of Rutland, Vt. Also surviving are four grandsons: James of Henrico, Va.; Peter of Stowe, Vt.; Nicholas of Brandon, Vt.; and Heath of Florence, Vt.; one granddaughter, Ava of Florence, Vt.; and several nieces and nephews.
A private graveside committal service and burial will take place, at a later date.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Shard Villa, 1177 Shard Villa Road, Salisbury, VT 05769.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. ◊