Horseman Normand Richard ‘Norm’ Fluet Sr., 59, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, April 24, at home, surrounded by family, after fighting a terminal illness.
Fluet was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, on April 14, 1956. He has lived and raised his family in the United States for the past 45 years. He discovered his passion for the horses at an early age through his father, who enjoyed harness racing. His love for Standardbreds found him establishing his own stable where he trained, drove and owned many horses over the years. He had a natural gift when working with trotters and breaking babies in preparation for handling and racing.
In 2007, Fluet stopped driving, as he passed the reins to his son, Phillip, who was beginning his career in the business. Norm, Phillip, and Lori worked closely together preparing yearlings down south and racing them in the northeast.
Fluet was a member of the US Trotting Association, Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association, Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, Standardbred Owners Association of New York and Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association.
Fluet is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Lori Ann (Finch) Fluet of Aberdeen; his six children, Normand Fluet Jr. of Oakfield, NY, Phillip (fiancé Abbey Westbrook) of Saratoga Spring, NY, Alan of Burlington, NJ, Julie (Michael) Kukenberger of Portsmouth, NH, Shane of Pinehurst, NC, and Kasey of Aberdeen; his mother, Yolande Perreault; six grandchildren, Kalie, Chantelle, Lily, Jamison, Ava and Sophie; brother Serge Fluet of Canada; father and mother-in-law Andrew and Gloria Finch of Aberdeen; and several nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, Fluet will be cremated followed by a mid-June memorial service in Batavia, NY, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his life.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Norm Fluet Sr.
(Harnessracing.com)