Norman Landsburg (1924-2018), a survivor of the worst ravages of the Great Depression, a survivor of the trenches in France, where he landed in the wake of the Normandy invasion (and, according to what I think I’ve just learned while going through his papers, was awarded two bronze stars that he never once mentioned to his wife of 68 years or any of his three children), who transcended a series of hard knocks that would have led many to despair and struggled every day, often against mighty odds, to make a better life for his family, succumbed tonight to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
His bullheadedness was his greatest vice and his greatest virtue. I owe him a couple of good slaps upside the head (not that I ever got one from him, but he deserves them anyway) and eternal gratitude for the way he eased my setting forth and filled my world with possibilities. Neither debt will ever be paid.
Steve,
My condolences. Sounds like quite a guy. Where did he live?
My condolences Steve.
My condolences, Professor.
My deepest condolences to you on your loss.
David (#1): He was a 94 year old Jew from Philadelphia, so he lived in Florida of course.
So sorry for your loss, Steve.
SL, this is so sad to hear. He really sounds like quite a guy.
I’m curious as to what he did for a living. Was he a math guy like you?
My condolences Steve.
My Condolences Steve.
My condolences, and also the hope that we all live as well and are remembered as clearly and fondly.
So sorry for your loss Steve.
May his memory be a blessing always to those who knew him.
I think, if I may say so, we repay those debts by how we live our lives.
My condolences and hope you are well!
I’m very sorry for your loss, too. Maybe he never mentioned his awards because he was waiting for the medal he deserved for raising you!
Very sorry. Time comes for each of us–but Alzheimer’s? Oof. May his passing brings peace to Landsburgs all.
I sold at West Publishing Norm’s last 7 years before he retired. He was a top performer year after year and a true gentleman. I enjoyed getting to know him very much.
After my 2nd or 3rd year, I looked forward every summer to the upcoming meeting in St.Paul.i was doing pretty good in South Alabama but I had one part of the sales process that really bothered me… an so, at our annual meeting in St. Paul I sought out Norm because I knew he would shed some ight on my dilemma.
I had a large amount of chargebacks and I asked Norm what could I do to cut that negative way down.
I was like a puppy looking up to a man who I knew could help me.
Norm simply said, “ Mike the more mud you throw at a wall, the more will slide down and not stick” “Mike, he went on, you are doing a great job, that is why you have a lot of chargebacks.”..
Wow, a great guy, a great salesman straightened my worries right out.. “Keep writing a lot of business, and know that the more mud that slides down, the more money I was making.
I have never forgotten that conversation and for all these years, I have smiled whenever I thought of his words that day.
If it weren’t for him (vis-a-vis his son), I wouldn’t have the level of curiosity and interest in economics that I do. Thanks to him (and you) for that!
Sorry to hear this, and for your loss. I am just a bit younger than you; we grew up surrounded by heroes didn’t we? It’s good to be reminded.
Steve and Ellen,
We remember our Cousin Norman with love and admiration. We enjoyed having him at our home for the Landsburg Pesach Seder each year. All of you are the legacy that he will look down upon smiling with pride. Love to your Mom, Cousin Vivian.
Robin Sue and Billy Landsburg and Family