HVAC professional Bruce Norman — known to the HVAC-Talk.com community as "Arpa" — died on March 24, from complications caused by an aortic aneurism. He was 49.
At the time of his death, Norman was national service manager for Arpa Support Services, based in Miami, FL.
"Bruce was entrepreneurial, loyal, and open to new ideas," said Julian Rubio, owner/general manager of Arpa.
"He helped us develop new areas of business. All of our clients loved him. It’s been a terrible loss, personally and professionally," Rubio said, and he added a testament to Norman's resourcefulness and independence.
"I arranged an interview with Bruce six years ago, and asked him if he needed directions to our office, because we were in a location that was difficult to find. He said, 'If I need directions, you shouldn't hire me.'
"During the past six years, we had the opportunity to share his friendship, admire his dedication to his work, and appreciate how he cared for everybody working for and with him," Rubio said.
While at Arpa, Norman established an HVAC service program for U.S. Marine base kitchens in foreign countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan.
"It's been said that Bruce was 'a big man,' but knowing him for several years, I found him to have an even bigger heart, which freely gave to those in need and to those who never asked," said Dave Lusk, co-owner of KENCO-Lusk, Hiram, GA. Lusk and Norman served together as administrators of the HVAC-Talk.com website.
Cards or other remembrances may be sent to:
Family of Bruce Norman
c/o Arpa Support Services, Inc.
12800 NW 38th Ave.
Miami, FL 33054