Norman T. Pirkey ("Pirk"), a retired Virginia State Police Officer, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, at the age of 65, of Lewy Body Disease at Tandem Health Care Center, Windsor, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Charles and Mabel Earl Wood Pirkey of Earlysville, Va.; a brother, Herbert Charles Pirkey Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Loretta Harmon Pirkey, to whom he was married 47 years. Together they raised two loving daughters, Brandon Pirkey Theimer of Harrisonburg, Va. and Tana Pirkey McLane of Suffolk, Va. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Michael A. Theimer; and grandson, Jackson Elliot Theimer.

Norman loved and took great pride in his family and was equally loved and honored by them.

His sisters, Vada Pirkey Roberts of Earlysville, Virginia, and Patsy Pirkey Cummings (and husband, George) of Brooksville, Florida also survive him; in addition to one brother, Freddie G. Pirkey of Struthers, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Norman shared a great and lasting friendship with friends, Vernon (Bill) Jones; James (Bill) Story; Samuel L. Ranson; and Herbert E. Maxey Sr., who passed away March 2005. They have been like family.

Norman retired from the Virginia State Police in 1995 with the rank of First Sergeant after 34 years of service. He graduated from the Virginia State Police Training School in December 1962 and from Northwestern University Traffic Institute in June 1983. As a State Police Officer, he was assigned as a Trooper in Buckingham and Cumberland Counties, Sergeant in Rockbridge and Botetourt Counties, and First Sergeant in Prince William County. He embodied that of a Virginia State Police Officer.

Norman was devoted to his family and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Many will remember him for his ability to teach, whether at the State Police Training Academy, Firing Range, or simply how to fish. He loved all sports but will be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing. He was very proud of his United States Coast Guard License as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer (Charter Boat Captain's License) and spent as much time as he could in Hatteras, N.C., a.k.a. "home away from home."

The family will receive friends at Hill & Wood Funeral Home, 201 N. First Street, Charlottesville, Virginia from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005.

A service of remembrance will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2005, at Hill & Wood Funeral Home with burial following immediately at Mooreland Baptist Church, (Route 29 South) 2255 Taylors Gap Road, North Garden, VA 22959.

The Pirkey family extends its sincere appreciation to caregiver, Mary Langston; the University of Virginia's Department of Neurology and Dr. David S. Geldmacher and his assistant, Paula Damgaard; Dr. Joseph P. Verdirame and his staff; Sentara Hospice; and the health care staff at Tandem Health Care of Windsor, for their compassionate care during Norman's illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of First Sergeant Norman T. Pirkey may be made to his home church, Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Heritage + Hope, 550 Buck Mountain Road, Earlysville, VA 22936.

Written condolences to the immediate family may be sent to P.O. Box 9496, Chesapeake, VA 23321.