Obituary of Lee Nord

Services will be in Santa Cruz on October 12, for Lee Nord who passed away at his Santa Cruz home on September 22, 2013. Born in Los Angeles, Lee would have celebrated his 78th birthday on October 3, 1935. He moved to Santa Cruz 44 years ago, where he and wife of 52 years Chris, have resided at that same home where many fond family memories will live on. Lee was a sheet metal worker and proud member of Local No. 104. His career in the mechanical field spanned over 35 years, and prior to that, he worked for Aerojet - General, and Douglas Aircraft. Lee was recognized for his intelligent and professional work on the lunar module descent propellant tanks while employed at Aerojet-General. It was a hallmark moment in his life when he was photographed in the 1960's with Gemini and Apollo astronaut, James McDivitt who was impressed with his work. Lee was a gifted story teller, with an amazing amount of humor that he somehow tapped from a difficult upbringing. His family will forever remember his love for gardening, fishing in both salt and fresh water, and the wonderful family camping trips at Kaweah Campgrounds in Three Rivers. His favorite pastime was watching football, particularly the 49ers. Lee is survived by his wife, Chris Nord of Santa Cruz, his sons and daughters in-law, Mike and Wendy Nord of Santa Cruz, Eric and Belinda Nord of Santa Clarita, and his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Andy Jones of Santa Cruz. Lee also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Tom, Brianna, Nate, Holly, Givanna, Renzo, and his great-grandson, Payton. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Warren Nord in 2009. Friends and family will gather at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz on Saturday, October 12, 2013 beginning at 3 p.m. If you wish to light a candle for Lee, and share your condolences and prayers, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. Contributions in memory of Lee can be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch at www.calfarley.org.