Mr. Norman G. Heller, USCG Auxiliary

Shipmates, The staff of the National Search and Rescue School regrets to inform you of the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, Norman G. Heller, USCG Auxiliary. Norm died Wednesday, November 15, 2006. He had a heart attack while playing tennis. He was 74. A 10-year veteran of the SAR School staff, Norm touched the lives of most of the SAR Controllers currently in the field. Norm was an expert in mathematical search theory and developed most of the training materials used today for its study. Class with Norm was never boring. He was well known for his teaching of search containment theory when, to illustrate the Monte Carlo theory of probability, he would hand out chocolate chip cookies to his students. Norm started his Coast Guard career in the early 1950's as an Electronics Technician. He served on lightship FRYING PAN SHOALS and as an instructor at Training Center Groton. Norm left the Coast Guard to attend Georgia Tech and went on to become a successful railroad executive. In addition to his contributions as a SAR School instructor, Norm was a qualified SAR Controller and regularly stood watch at Group and Sector Hampton Roads. Norm made significant and lasting contributions to the SAR school. His quick wit and jovial personality endeared him to all who knew him. A great instructor and a great friend, he will be missed by all. Norm is survived by his wife Betsy, three adult children, and his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Norm’s name to the American Heart Association.

11/19/06 Submitted by: Steve 'Stu' Stewart on behalf of CDR Ronald A. LaBrec, Chief, National SAR School azcoastie@hotmail.com

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