By John O’Dea
Our community lost a great leader and our family lost a neighbor and lifelong friend.
Norman Timmerman passed on and left a huge legacy behind.
I’m not talking about his cattle feeding either. I’m talking about his impressions that he made on families and individuals in the last 50 years in our neighborhood.
I grew up with JT and Kristin. Kristin and I were in the same kindergarten class and graduated high school together. I tagged along with JT on a few club calf missions and trips to state fair. Norm drove us youngsters around to practices when our judging team was preparing for Louisville. None of us that were there will ever forget it.
I started working for Norm in junior high, day working at his ranch and doing light duty around the feedlot. Before long he had me running dump trucks and pay loaders and then a feed truck. I can honestly say, Norm treated everyone the same. Jason and I would both get the same level of ass chewing if we deserved it. There wasn’t any free pass for Norms kids. You were expected to lean into the harness the same as anyone else or maybe harder. Norm would be right there beside us cleaning cattle guards or scooping bunks.
He led by example.
Norm challenged me to get better and took a genuine interest in my family. Several years ago he told me, ” You aren’t utilizing your ability.” at the end of one of our chats in front of my barn. That made me think. A short time later I started trying to utilize more of my communication skills and less of my brawn to make a living.
Probably the biggest compliment I ever received from Norm came indirectly. One year Holly was stalled across the alley from us at AKSARBEN. Norm was watching our boys fit on their first calf of the day. He told Michelle, “You and John are raising them right.”
That meant a lot to me, considering how high that man set the bar.
Norm had a tremendous influence on me and countless other folks in our community. I could tell stories for days. He was a great mentor and friend. “It builds character.” IYKYK
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