Norman Elson

On his 92nd birthday, Norman Elson, born September 21st, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA, left us with peace in his heart. He grew up during the depression in a Jewish immigrant family that endured a century of persecution in western Russia. He served in the US Army during WWII, and due to the war, at the very young age of 22 completed, medical school at Temple University. After the war he finished his residency in internal medicine at Genesee hospital. Dr. Elson married Winifred (Winnie) Sobie on June 24, 1945 and they settled in Rochester, NY, and had three children. Norman took pride in his profession and served his patients until his retirement, making early hospital rounds, house calls and taking phone calls at all hours of the night. Norman was however, first and foremost a family man. Having grown up in a big city, and never having seen the inside of a tent, Norman decided to take the family camping, squeezing three children, the dog, the tent, his wife and himself into a small sedan. The family continued to camp, leading a to a life long love for the outdoors which he passed onto his children. He loved animals, all Philadelphia sport teams and a good round of golf. Norman retired from his solo internal medicine practice in Rochester, NY, after 50 years and he and Winnie moved to Bozeman in 1994. Preceding him in death is his wife of 65 years, Winnie Elson, as well as all four of his siblings. Loving survivors include his son Doug (Margret and Kate and Emma) Elson, daughter, Wendy (Dave and Sarah and Risa) Pierce of Bozeman and son, Mark (Debbie Swartz and Rachel and Alex) Elson of Tucson, AZ and of course his dog Natasha. Norman and his well fed golden retriever Natasha enjoyed daily walks at Peet's Hill; please take a walk with your dog there in his memory. Memorials in his name may be sent to Gallatin Valley Land Trust (they sponsor the trail Norman so loved) at 212 S. Wallace Street, Bozeman, MT, 59715. The family wishes to thank Dr. Pam Hiebert and the caregiving team at Cottonwood Case Management for excellent end-of-life services. Norman died--as he had wished--comfortably in his home. A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.