Richard J. Normandin, 77, Hays, died Christmas Day 2020, at Hays Medical Center, surrounded by his family after a three-week battle with COVID-19.
Richard was born on March 8, 1943, in Damar, Kansas, to Norman and Irene (Benoit) Normandin, the youngest of ten children. Growing up, Richard built the foundation of his strong faith and learned the importance of hard work, living simply and appreciating what you have, traits he carried with him all his life.
Richard is survived by the love of his life, Mallone (Brin), whom he met while in High School. They were married on November 21, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas. He graduated from Old Town Barbering College in 1964. After college, the couple briefly lived in Kansas City, Missouri, as he started his career as a barber. They settled in Hays, Kansas, where Richard established and co-owned Continental Barber and Style shop for over 55 years.
Richard enjoyed music, barbequing, and an indefinite list of projects. Richard was always working on a project of some kind or was right alongside one of his four sons helping with their projects. Richard was one of the gentlest, loving souls a person could ever have a chance to know. His kind heart and soft, caring voice made everyone feel welcomed and loved. He was the kind of person who truly wanted to know how you have been when he asked. Rich was a man who listened more than he talked, gave more than he got, and loved larger than life. Richard left his mark on so many lives, and he taught his sons to love deeply, give greatly, and live a life of faith.
Mallone and Richard had four sons, all surviving to share Richard’s passion for life: Brent (Amy) Normandin, Troy Normandin, Shawn Normandin, and Kyle (Jessica) Normandin, all of Hays, KS, eight grandchildren: Ryder (Chelsea) Eakin, Tyler Schmidt, Avery, Aidan, Adrian, Carter, Dakota, and Kennedy Normandin, one great-granddaughter Callie, and extended family of Rylie and Bryson Fairbank.
Survivors also include three brothers: Eugene Normandin of Colby, KS, Alfred Normandin of Poquoson, VA, and Donald Normandin of Damar, KS, and two sisters: Norma Jean Bellerive of Plainville, KS and Odella Huhmann of St. Elizabeth, MO.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Louis, Melvin and Duane Normandin, and a sister: Mary Ann Meyers.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hays with Fr. Ryan McCandless officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Building Fund. Condolences and memories of Richard may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com