Dr. Norman Pence

Dr. Norman E. Pence, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Norm was born in Lincoln, Illinois, to Norman E. and Edna Mae Pence on September 9, 1943.  After graduating from Lincoln Community High School in 1961, he attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, earning his BS in Mathematics in 1965, followed by his MS in 1969. He then moved to Colorado and began working at the Western Sugar Cooperative in Ft. Morgan, Colorado. Next, Norm moved to Westminster, Colorado, and started working as a volunteer for the Westminster Fire Department and soon became a paid firefighter. He worked with the WFD for ten years and then retired. In June of 1977, Norm began teaching at Metro State College (now Metro State University), where he was a Department of Computer Information Systems professor and taught Managerial Statistics and Management Science for over 46 years. Norm earned his Ph.D. from the Colorado School of Mines in 1986. His Doctorate in Philosophy was dedicated to researching Mineral Economics (Operations Research and Statistics).  Norm continued teaching through the 2022 fall semester.

One of Norm’s loves was his Shiba Inu dogs, and they brought him the most joy. Kenji and Keiko will miss their faithful owner. Norm’s other hobbies included collecting antique cars and fire trucks. In his spare time, he took great joy restoring his two fire trucks and his 1940 Graham and 1934 Plymouth. Norman also enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Norm is survived by his sister, Deanna (Edwin) Voyles; brother, Thomas S.(Mildred) Pence; nephew, Brian (Elizabeth) Voyles; niece, Lori (Keith) Birnbaum; their children, Avery and Samuel; nephew, Thomas J. Pence; numerous extended nieces and nephews; Todd (Toni) Bower; Donn (Angela) Bower and many loving friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 11:00am with a Visitation at 10:00am at Horan & McConaty, Northwest/Arvada, 7577 W. 80th Avenue (at Wadsworth Blvd), Arvada, CO 80003. Graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, County Rd 1 & E State Hwy 56, Berthoud, CO 80513.

In place of flowers, please donate to MaxFund Animal Adoption- 958 Inca St., Denver, CO 80204 or the Westminster Fire Department.

May you remember Norm’s deep voice, contagious laugh, and kind heart, and may we all continue to live as Norm did in being kind to others.