SHEFF, Norman C.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Saturday, January 24, 2011 Norman C. Sheff died Jan. 21, 2011, in San Marcos, Texas. He was born to William and Lillian Sheff in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1931. After serving with the U.S. Navy aboard the ammunition ship the U.S.S. Vesuvius during the Korean Conflict, he worked in the quadriplegic ward at the Long Beach, Calif., Veterans' Hospital. He came to Flagstaff in 1956, graduating with degrees in history from ASC in 1959, and from NAU in 1964. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He taught in Page public schools from 1959 to 1966. With his family, he followed his dream to live in New Zealand, where he taught in NaeNae College, Lower Hutt, near Wellington. Upon his return to the United States, he took a position in the history department at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Okla., where he taught for 30 years. There he developed an interdisciplinary studies model. He also instituted classes to help his students understand the history, geography and culture of Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam. In 1998, he moved west to be near his family. Until recently, he lived in Flagstaff. He is survived by his three children, Clay (Cynthia) of Madrid, N.M., Dancy of Flagstaff and Sand (Sunnie) Sheff of San Marcos, Texas; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his former wife, Norma R. Sheff. He is also survived by three nieces in New York. He was preceded in death by his parents. According to his wishes, the family plans private services.