Norman Bruce Douglas, aged 85, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on November 14, 2024. Born in Battle Creek on November 23, 1938, Norman is remembered as a kind and gentle soul, who asked for little and always gave his best. He carried an infectious smile with a twinkle in his eye, endearing himself to everyone he met.

Norman graduated from Kellogg Consolidated School in Hickory Corners in 1956 and later studied and played football at Kalamazoo College and then earned a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University. He built a distinguished career, contributing significantly to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University School of Engineering, General Motors, Body by Fisher Division, and the Kellogg Company. At his General Motors plant, he helped to institute a Learning Center by teaching and preparing many instructional tapes for use by his fellow employees. Norm was a skilled machinist and metrologist, and he carried those abilities into the classrooms where he was regarded as a great instructor by his students. In 2010, he was awarded the first ever Outstanding Service designation for his instructional service to the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Western Michigan University.

Beyond his professional life, Norman was a devoted family man, deeply loving, and loved by, his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his spouse, Judith Zahn Douglas; daughter, Heidi Douglas Vogley (Scott); son, Christopher Douglas; granddaughters, Jillian and Jenna Vogley; brother, James Douglas (Barbara); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a special family friend, Dr. David Thompson. He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall Denver Douglas, his mother, Viola Phillips Douglas, his sister, Diane Salerno Silkworth, and his nephew, Bret Douglas.

Norman's interests included traveling with his family, golfing with his wife, playing bridge with special lifelong friends, and just being with his loved ones. Watching his children and grandchildren participate in their varied activities brought him much happiness and pleasure. He loved classical music which, through the years, filled the Douglas home. Norm and Judith spent many years in service to the Battle Creek Symphony, which they regarded as a wonderful community asset. They had the pleasure of hosting several visiting musicians and other Symphony activities along the way, forming wonderful Symphony friendships. Norm contracted the building of their lake home, providing much of the labor himself, where he and his family have lived for the last fifty years. Living on a lake, Norm took great joy in watching the waterfowl and all kinds of wildlife. He loved the game of golf, because it allowed him to be a part of a beautiful natural setting. A highlight of his life was when he made a hole-in-one while golfing at Cedar Farms (now Squirrel Hollow) in Battle Creek.

A celebration to honor Norman's remarkable life is planned for Saturday, December 7, 2024, from noon to 3:00 p.m., at the Squirrel Hollow Golf Course, 12111 Helmer Road, South, in Battle Creek. His warm presence and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Norman's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Transitions Hospice for their thoughtful vigilance and loving care as he traveled and lived his journey to eternity.

Additionally we are creating a scholarship fund at Kalamazoo Valley Community College to honor Norman's dedication to his students. Should you wish to contribute to his legacy, please follow the link below or feel free to mail contributions, in his name, directly to KVCC.

Give by credit card at https://www.kvcc.edu/foundation/ . (Indicate when giving that the donation is in honor of him.)

Checks can be made out to KVCC Foundation and mailed to: KVCC Foundation, PO Box 4070, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070