Norman Wide
25 Nov 1931 – 8 Nov 2010
Biography
Our beloved Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad and friend to many.
Known as Norm, Stormy, Bernie and even ‘Percy’ to some, Norman Wide was a genuine one of a kind character.
A proud family man, mechanic and serviceman, Norman was a man that knew what he liked and enjoyed a long life of simple pleasures. His life was spent raising his children, never remarrying after separating from Mary, drinking with friends at the Dolphin, playing darts and fixing the cars of the community on his drive at Milton Road.
A well known character in the Holway area, Norman took great pride in remaining exceedingly fit for a man of his age, walking miles daily until illness took over in his final years and often rolling up the sleeves on his shirt to pump the old Percy biceps.
A part time amateur inventor that would rather tinker a repair than throw away anything broken, a chef that specialised in cooking only one part of his dinner at a time and an early adopter of the ‘magnet on a stick’, Norman’s ability to enjoy the simple life are a lesson to be learned by many.
A man that always had time to stop for a catch up before parting with the ‘see you round like a gate post’ comment, he was a man could cultivate beautiful gardens, would always have the chocolate pot stacked for visitors and always have the first can of Graften open at 12.
A proud Dad and Grandad, he would be proud to see the Wide name live on with his two great Grandsons and grand daughter now, this tribute aims to keep his memory alive for many generations to come.
Sleep tight Bernie, you were loved by all who knew you
Details
- Born 25th November, 1931
- Passed 8th November, 2010
- Family Father to Dawn, Martin and Gary. Grandad to David, Claire, Katie and Michael
- Military Service Served in the REME as part of the TA 1965 - 1970
David
29 Oct 2025 22:22
Grandad always used to tell the story of how he and his mates once trapped a Bull inside his garage in East Reach. It had escaped from the market and ran all the way through the town before reaching his at East Reach. He and his work mates were brave enough to dodge and coax it into the garage where he shut it inside until the farmer came to pick it up!
James Harrison
17 Oct 2025 13:37
Thanks for all your help in the garage Bern. You taught me everything I know and will always remember your ‘magnet on a stick’ obsession. RIP Norm
Steve
8 Sep 2025 22:36
See you round like a gate post Bernie. Mind the toes in the way x
David
8 Sep 2025 22:28
Thanks for being always being a great Grandad. The boys definitely has your inventor streak and would have loved your company. You’d have loved them too. Take care Percy x
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Taunton Crematorium, front right field, row 3, plot 10