1926 – 2015

RUMFORD — Norman A. Vashaw, 88, a resident of Canton, passed away at Rumford Hospital, Sunday, May 10.

He was born in Berlin, N.H., on Oct. 6, 1926, the son of Frank Vashaw and Ethelyn ( Dudley) Vashaw. He attended school in Berlin, N.H., and later served in the U.S. Navy. On June 18, 1949, he married Mildred Hammond in Sumner.

Norman worked for Oxford Paper and Boise Cascade, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Mexico Historical Society, Turner Senior Citizens, VFW in Canton, Fish and Game in Canton and was a volunteer firefighter for Canton.

Norman enjoyed camping, traveling, woodworking, farming, painting, taking pictures of covered bridges, fly-tying and reading. He was the author of the book “What Is Ain’t What Was,” a historical book about Canton. He was a logger, 4-H leader and a historian. He enjoyed weaving baskets, making quilts, leather making, motorcycling, snowmobiling and antique engines.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mildred Vashaw; two daughters, Betty Vashaw of Canton and Cheryl Frazzetto and her husband, Bill, of Marion, N.C.; five sons, Keith Vashaw and his wife, Bonnie, of Rumford, Norman Vashaw Jr. and his wife, Peggy, of Chesterville, Allen Vashaw and his wife, Myong, of Wichita, Kansas, and David Vashaw and his wife, Lynn, of Chesterville; 11 grandchildren; Rachel, Jeremy, Austin, Monica, Kara, Craig, Christopher, John, Nathan, Emma and Marissa; five great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Lila, Haleigh, Hanna and Olivia; and one sister, Doris Powers of Auburn.

He was predeceased by his son, John Vashaw; and granddaughter, Katie Elizabeth Frazzetto; sisters, Carol Buck, Mary Lou Pike and Thelma Hook; brothers, Frank Vashaw Jr. and Donald Vashaw.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.

Copy the Story Link