Edward R. Norford, 82, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, a successful Harrisburg-area businessman, a valued crony of Hall of Famer Max C. Hempt and his son George, and a member of the U.S. Trotting Association for 40 years, passed away this past Friday at his home
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Norford was born in nearby Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, was a graduate of Penn State University, and served in the Marines. He gave his time on countless prestigious boards in the Harrisburg area, including Holy Spirit Hospital, central Pennsylvania’s leading medical facility, and was a noted philanthropist.
Norford was in the quarry and contracting industries, which is where he undoubtedly met the late Max C. Hempt, whose familiar cream and green “Hempt Brothers Construction Company” trucks matched the colours Max wore in his many successes as an amateur driver. Norford came to own 42 horses in his lifetime, including Keystone Stetson, 1:58z, and bred 28. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, which was also a passion of Max C.’s late son George, who took over the Hempt Farms (“Keystone”) operation upon his father’s passing. The two Hempts, Norford, and several other local captains of industry would often gather socially, among other things playing “liar’s poker” with what one might believe was the very last dollar in their pockets.
Norford was preceded in death by his wife Helen. Surviving is a daughter, Debra; two sisters, Sandra Yetter and Helen Hall; and a brother, Millard.
At Trinity Lutheran Church in Camp Hill, there will be a viewing on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., immediately followed by funeral services. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that contributions be sent to New Cumberland River Rescue Building Fund, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, or Community United Methodist Church, also of New Cumberland.
Please Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Edward Norford.