Welcome to the memorial page for
Norman L. Friberg
April 2, 1929 ~ February 18, 2017 (age 87) 87 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Brad Friesen
March 18, 2017 9:04 AM
“Swaying on a Stationary Deck”,
Memories of Norm Friberg
by Brad Friesen
Mr. Friberg was my principal for several years when I was in grade school at Ahlman Academy in Kabul. What I remember most about him was his warmth, big smile and his love of all things nautical. Having grown up in the Midwest, and then Afghanistan, I had no clue about the sea. However, through Norm, Jackie and their children (Josiah was my best friend), I learned that there was something magical about the ocean, and, in particular, sailing. I didn’t appreciate at the time the sacrifice their family made in living in such a land-locked country, but they did a successful job in bringing the ocean to us! It was their influence, and Jacque Cousteau’s adventures in National Geographic, that resulted in me ending up with a degree in Marine Biology many years later - though life in a seaside villa has remained elusive.
I seldom got sent to Principal Friberg’s office, as it was usually his own children that out-ranked me in miscreant behavior. But I do remember trying out different books in my britches to see which ones would be the least noticeable if I was sent it for a paddling.
One memorable VBS the Fribergs were in charge, and, of course, it had a nautical theme. We proudly wore white sailor caps like good little mariners, though they were hard to keep clean in Kabul’s ubiquitous dust, and I never did figure out why they had that curious, turned-up lip all the way around that would collect water in any rainstorm or big wave, instead of shed it. We entered the ‘ship’ (the church building/house where activities were held) by walking over a specially constructed gang plank, with heavy rope railings, and sang nautical Christian songs, energetically led by Mrs. Friberg. It was the first time I noticed how many hymns featured stormy seas and anchors holding.
Mr. Friberg enjoyed his Boston accent, and everyone around him did too. A phrase we had fun with was from his narration of a Christmas program. The wisemen “Sore a staw!” which led them to Bethlehem:) I’m not sure how much internationals in the audience understood him, but there was no questioning his enthusiasm!
And there was another special memory: Mr. Friberg would sometimes tell sailing yarns. We weren’t exactly sure how much of the stories to believe, but a lot of them probably had a good life lesson, I don’t remember. In any case, during his narration, he would keep our attention with his remarkable ability to slowly sway back and forth and side to side as if he was on the deck of a large ship in rough seas - with his feet together and his back straight! We were amazed at how far he could tilt in all directions without falling over! You could almost get seasick watching him. We never figured it out, and could never duplicate it on our own. We looked up at the ceiling to see if there were any cables attached to him. We also looked at his shoes. Were they super heavy and/or magnetic? Both would have helped, except that he walked normally after he finished, and the school didn’t have any metal floors (note: ships do). Did he just have an exceptionally low center of gravity? I thought about that - in terms of his belly - but it wasn’t that big, and it would have only helped when he tilted backwards. Hmmm… Mr. Friberg’s swaying is on my list of mysteries to find out answers to in heaven, right after I find out the true age of the universe.
So, Mr. Friberg, many Thanks to you and your family for enriching my childhood! May you now be blessed with fair winds to fill your sails, sway for real on the deck of a swift schooner on the high seas of heaven, and jovially laugh in the company of the Captain of your soul.
Memories of Norm Friberg
by Brad Friesen
Mr. Friberg was my principal for several years when I was in grade school at Ahlman Academy in Kabul. What I remember most about him was his warmth, big smile and his love of all things nautical. Having grown up in the Midwest, and then Afghanistan, I had no clue about the sea. However, through Norm, Jackie and their children (Josiah was my best friend), I learned that there was something magical about the ocean, and, in particular, sailing. I didn’t appreciate at the time the sacrifice their family made in living in such a land-locked country, but they did a successful job in bringing the ocean to us! It was their influence, and Jacque Cousteau’s adventures in National Geographic, that resulted in me ending up with a degree in Marine Biology many years later - though life in a seaside villa has remained elusive.
I seldom got sent to Principal Friberg’s office, as it was usually his own children that out-ranked me in miscreant behavior. But I do remember trying out different books in my britches to see which ones would be the least noticeable if I was sent it for a paddling.
One memorable VBS the Fribergs were in charge, and, of course, it had a nautical theme. We proudly wore white sailor caps like good little mariners, though they were hard to keep clean in Kabul’s ubiquitous dust, and I never did figure out why they had that curious, turned-up lip all the way around that would collect water in any rainstorm or big wave, instead of shed it. We entered the ‘ship’ (the church building/house where activities were held) by walking over a specially constructed gang plank, with heavy rope railings, and sang nautical Christian songs, energetically led by Mrs. Friberg. It was the first time I noticed how many hymns featured stormy seas and anchors holding.
Mr. Friberg enjoyed his Boston accent, and everyone around him did too. A phrase we had fun with was from his narration of a Christmas program. The wisemen “Sore a staw!” which led them to Bethlehem:) I’m not sure how much internationals in the audience understood him, but there was no questioning his enthusiasm!
And there was another special memory: Mr. Friberg would sometimes tell sailing yarns. We weren’t exactly sure how much of the stories to believe, but a lot of them probably had a good life lesson, I don’t remember. In any case, during his narration, he would keep our attention with his remarkable ability to slowly sway back and forth and side to side as if he was on the deck of a large ship in rough seas - with his feet together and his back straight! We were amazed at how far he could tilt in all directions without falling over! You could almost get seasick watching him. We never figured it out, and could never duplicate it on our own. We looked up at the ceiling to see if there were any cables attached to him. We also looked at his shoes. Were they super heavy and/or magnetic? Both would have helped, except that he walked normally after he finished, and the school didn’t have any metal floors (note: ships do). Did he just have an exceptionally low center of gravity? I thought about that - in terms of his belly - but it wasn’t that big, and it would have only helped when he tilted backwards. Hmmm… Mr. Friberg’s swaying is on my list of mysteries to find out answers to in heaven, right after I find out the true age of the universe.
So, Mr. Friberg, many Thanks to you and your family for enriching my childhood! May you now be blessed with fair winds to fill your sails, sway for real on the deck of a swift schooner on the high seas of heaven, and jovially laugh in the company of the Captain of your soul.
Message from Tony
February 27, 2017 9:21 AM
Dear Family,
I would like to send my condolences. It can be extremely difficult to lose a loved one. That is why I wanted to share the hope found in the bible, the hope of the resurrection. Jesus stated at John 5:28,29 "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will come out." And at Revelation 21:3,4 it states that there will be a time when "...death will be no more."
These scriptures give us hope for the future as respects to our dead loved ones. Those scriptures have brought comfort to me and I hope it does the same for your family.
With Love,
Tony
I would like to send my condolences. It can be extremely difficult to lose a loved one. That is why I wanted to share the hope found in the bible, the hope of the resurrection. Jesus stated at John 5:28,29 "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will come out." And at Revelation 21:3,4 it states that there will be a time when "...death will be no more."
These scriptures give us hope for the future as respects to our dead loved ones. Those scriptures have brought comfort to me and I hope it does the same for your family.
With Love,
Tony
Message from Glen and Jennie Anderson
February 26, 2017 6:08 PM
Dear Jacque, Our prayers are for you and your family at this time. You and Norm were always a great inspiration and encouragement to us as we set off for Nepal with InterServe. You both have touched far more lives than you know.
with sympathy and great hope,
Glen and Jennie
with sympathy and great hope,
Glen and Jennie
Message from Nancy (and Dave) Klapstein
February 25, 2017 3:29 PM
I was honored to know and serve with Norm (and Jacque)! I am SO thankful for the privilege of knowing him and knowing his heart for the Lord and for people. Jacque, my heart and prayers go out to you and your whole family. Not sure how he's going to make it on time for anything in heaven without you there getting him going :)
Message from Will and Barb Sawyer
February 25, 2017 2:11 PM
Captain Norm was a mentor, friend, and brother in Christ, and "Uncle Norm" to our girls. He was always ready to help, encourage, pray, serve, listen, and share godly wisdom with us during our time together in Istanbul. His sense of humor was just the medicine we needed time and time again. We thank God for his example of dedication to Jesus and service to people in His name. All who knew him were blessed by the fruits of the Spirit so visible his life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Our prayers are with you, Jacque and the family, as you grieve the loss of this wonderful dear man. He's with the Lord now ("to live is Christ, to die is gain"), but we will miss him so much. We are so grateful to know that we will see him again !
Our prayers are with you, Jacque and the family, as you grieve the loss of this wonderful dear man. He's with the Lord now ("to live is Christ, to die is gain"), but we will miss him so much. We are so grateful to know that we will see him again !
Message from Alison Stendahl
February 25, 2017 3:01 AM
I got to know Norm in Istanbul. His faith was an inspiration for me as we're his words of wisdom and stories. I am blessed to have known him. My prayers for Jackie and the family who grieve his absence yet are blessed by his spiritual presence that will always be with them.
Message from Jonathan and Juay Blythe, İstanbul, Turkey
February 25, 2017 2:45 AM
Dear Captain Norm, you will be missed on earth but great to know your love and sense of fun will carry on in Heaven. It was great to know you. Praying for grace and comfort for Jacqui and the family!
Message from Sanjar
February 24, 2017 12:55 PM
Norman, the man of God, investor in people, sailor, thank you for everything.
Message from Aelita Eralieva
February 24, 2017 11:19 AM
Dear Jacque and the family,
Please accept deepest condolences from me and my family (the Eralievs - in Canada and Kyrgyzstan).
My Dad loved Norm and was always looking forward to seeing him again. The whole family still cherish moments spent with Jacque and Norm.
May God bless you and keep you safe!
Much love,
Aelita Eralieva
Please accept deepest condolences from me and my family (the Eralievs - in Canada and Kyrgyzstan).
My Dad loved Norm and was always looking forward to seeing him again. The whole family still cherish moments spent with Jacque and Norm.
May God bless you and keep you safe!
Much love,
Aelita Eralieva
Message from Bangladesh
February 24, 2017 7:46 AM
It is one of my greatest privileges in life to have known Norm Friberg. I first met he and Jacque when they were serving at Chop Point Camp in Maine. They were were one of our biggest inspirations in serving God overseas.
Jacque and family--our prayers are with you at this time. May God comfort your hearts.
Love, Jan
Jacque and family--our prayers are with you at this time. May God comfort your hearts.
Love, Jan
Message from Joan Owen
February 23, 2017 10:26 PM
I am send condolences from the Frisius family who lived in Kandahar at the same time as Norm and Jacque. Jacque was the girls' Sunday School teacher. I will forward this information on to Carol who took over her parents' home in Costa Rica.
Message from Kim Hitchcock
February 23, 2017 1:36 PM
I will always smile when I think of Norm! Whether driving a load of ladies home all over Istanbul after Bible study or answering phone calls from the president or singing John Jacob Jinglehimerschmidt! Norm taught me that everyone speaks the language of love whether they know it or not. Every time I see a large ship in the Bosporus I remember Norm - his smile, his humor, his love of creator and creature. You taught me so much, thank you. I look forward to seeing your smile in heaven!
Message from Kevin and Jacki McKeen
February 23, 2017 9:36 AM
To all the family- We were sorry to hear of Norm's passing from this life. He will be missed very much! Such a unique joyful wonderful man to have the pleasure to meet and know. I had many a sailing lesson from him on the beautiful Kennebec. God bless you all in this joyous and sad time reflecting on how powerfully the Lord worked through and in his life. Kevin and Jacki McKeen
Message from Diane Brown
February 23, 2017 8:27 AM
What a precious man! Such a gift from God. I am so thankful I was able to meet him. I see so much of his heart & passion in Wes. Thank you for sharing his life story with us. My heart goes out to you in your loss. Looking forward to praising Jesus together One Day!
Love,
Diane Brown
Love,
Diane Brown
Message from Jenifer Niles
February 23, 2017 6:02 AM
Praise God for Norman. A true follower of Jesus, wonderful father, husband, and friend to everyone he met. May the peace of God comfort you as your mourn his loss and rejoice that he is with our Lord and Savior!
Message from Ed and Susanna (Rasmussen) Brown
February 23, 2017 12:17 AM
Dear Jacqi and family--
I am sure that you will almost wonder who we are and why we are writing! Well, if you go back a few decades, you spent a short time in Pakistan and that is where our families intersected. Because of New England connections, you would have known the Browns better. But, you also impacted the Rasmussens, I know. Jacqi- during one short summer when I (Susanna) was also back in Pakistan for awhile, you and Norm made a huge impact on my life spiritually. I was struggling, and you both listened without judgement. You both pastored me--I do not remember all the details--but I know that is what you did because I came away with a Friberg mark on my heart that was soothing and refreshing. In later years, we did run into you in the Boston and Providence areas every once in awhile, and it was your passion for loving and helping Afghans and people from other Muslim countries that set you apart. Before it was ever "in" to help international students, or immigrants from Central Asia and the Middle East, you were doing it. Now you, Jacqi, you have lost the love of your life, and the rest of you have lost a tremendous father, mentor, grandfather, and delightful friend. May you rejoice that Norm is HOME and WHOLE in body and spirit now. But, may you also know the comfort of a LOVING God who Norm served. For each piece of himself that Norm put into the Iives of others, like me, there will be a great harvest of eternal blessing. Condolences to you all, and much comfort and joy as you remember his life.
For Ed, too--
Susanna Rasmussen Brown
I am sure that you will almost wonder who we are and why we are writing! Well, if you go back a few decades, you spent a short time in Pakistan and that is where our families intersected. Because of New England connections, you would have known the Browns better. But, you also impacted the Rasmussens, I know. Jacqi- during one short summer when I (Susanna) was also back in Pakistan for awhile, you and Norm made a huge impact on my life spiritually. I was struggling, and you both listened without judgement. You both pastored me--I do not remember all the details--but I know that is what you did because I came away with a Friberg mark on my heart that was soothing and refreshing. In later years, we did run into you in the Boston and Providence areas every once in awhile, and it was your passion for loving and helping Afghans and people from other Muslim countries that set you apart. Before it was ever "in" to help international students, or immigrants from Central Asia and the Middle East, you were doing it. Now you, Jacqi, you have lost the love of your life, and the rest of you have lost a tremendous father, mentor, grandfather, and delightful friend. May you rejoice that Norm is HOME and WHOLE in body and spirit now. But, may you also know the comfort of a LOVING God who Norm served. For each piece of himself that Norm put into the Iives of others, like me, there will be a great harvest of eternal blessing. Condolences to you all, and much comfort and joy as you remember his life.
For Ed, too--
Susanna Rasmussen Brown
Message from The Martinez Family (Rafael, Liz, Solomon, Lidia and Ana)
February 22, 2017 11:28 PM
To be in the presence of Norm meant, joy, laughter, encouragement, love and prayers and of course countless stories. We consider ourselves privileged to have met and gotten to know Norm (and Jacque). We are especially thankful for his mentoring and encouragement as we prepared for work overseas in a land similar to the land he loved and served. What a joy it will be one day to meet Norm again in Heaven.
Message from Shelly Moran
February 22, 2017 2:49 PM
Oh how he loved the Lord and had all the joy in knowing Him. When Jackie and he were at the Pigeon Cove Chapel, it was such a treat to get to know his wonderful family and him. There will always be a special place in my heart for you all.
Message from Stan and Tami Brown
February 22, 2017 1:35 PM
Thank you God for Norm! Thank you for the gift of Life to him and his gifts to us and so many in Your Name! Thank you for his example! Thank you for his legacy! Thank you for the Joy and Humor and love of Life that he shows. And thank you that we can look forward to exploring Your new Universe - Heaven and Earth - with him and so many others! Thank you for Jacquie and the whole Friberg family and please comfort them in the gap. Amen
Message from Parker and Beverly
February 22, 2017 12:54 PM
We first met Norman and Jacque on a return visit they made to Kabul. They took us to places to visit in Kabul that we didn't know existed! Since our daughter is a Boston resident, we visited with them in their home. One time when Norman heard Jacque was stopping by to see us in Boston, he insisted on climbing the steep stairway to our daughters condo. They invited us to worship with them whenever we could. Parker loved sitting with Norman, swapping stories and just learning from him. I don't know exactly what Heaven will be like, but it is my hope our dads have met Norman.
Message from Paige Waldron
February 22, 2017 10:51 AM
Norman was a true believer. He not only knew the word of god, but he lived it. He lived it with every kind word, loving response, and sacrificial conversation he had with those who needed his guidance. Norman knew that it was love that would draw others to Christ. His example of love, and his warm sense of humor was refreshing, sincere, and irresistible. I loved to listen to him speak. Although his home life was a buzz with activity, challenges and the emotion of raising 5 children, it was never even hinted at when he spoke to those gathered to hear about his ministry to the people of Afghanistan. The man trusted God with all his heart, mind and strength. God was faithful to him, and now he enjoys the reward of a "Well done my Good and Faithful servant." Norman will be missed by so many, but none more than his beloved wife Jacque who has been a mutual source of joy, strength, support, and true love all these many years. My prayers are with the whole family now and in the coming days. I'm thankful that they can all be together at this time.
Message from Ralph Eckardt
February 22, 2017 8:32 AM
I honor the memory of Norm's life as a servant of God who lived for Him and served Him, especially in his relationship with Interserve, the mission with whom he and Jacque served during much of their overseas ministry. He was an encourager par excellence and mentored me as I became the Director of Interserve, USA. His influence and enthusiasm for the work of God in Asia was unparalleled because he ministered as a servant. Got bless your family during this difficult time.
Message from The Macha Family in Colorado
February 21, 2017 11:56 PM
We are so thankful for the brief times we had with Norm and are most grateful for his love for the Lord and his children and their children who love the Lord.
A candle was lit by The Macha Family in Colorado
on February 21, 2017 11:54 PM
Message from Kim and Jim Kackley
February 20, 2017 6:02 PM
So sorry to hear of the passing of Norm. We know that Jesus is meeting him with open arms. Our prayers are with you.
Love, Kim and Jim Kackley
Love, Kim and Jim Kackley
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