Norm McAllister

HIGHGATE - Norman H. McAllister Sr., age 74, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026.

He was born September 3, 1951 in Windsor to the late Gerald & Lillian (Fisk) McAllister.

Norm spent his formative years in Windsor, where he met his grade school sweetheart, Lena. Their love story blossomed during their high school days, culminating in their marriage on May 30, 1971. Together, they poured their hearts into running their family farm and Clark's House of Flowers, where their hard work and commitment to quality became a cornerstone of their lives.

A proud graduate of Vermont Technical College, Norm distinguished himself as the president of his class. His talents as a farmer did not go unnoticed, and he was honored with the title of Young Farmer of the Year from the Vermont Farm Bureau in 1981. Beyond agriculture, Norm had a passion for coaching. He devoted countless hours to guiding his children in their sports endeavors-from soccer to baseball to softball. His commitment to nurturing young athletes extended to the broader community when he took on the role of soccer coach at Richford High School.

In addition to his work on the farm and his coaching endeavors, Norm was an enthusiastic participant in many sports leagues. Whether it was broom ball, softball, or bowling, he was always up for a good competitive challenge. He was also an avid deer hunter. Norm's love for his community was further evident in his decade-long service as a member of the Vermont legislature, where he proudly fought for Vermont farmers and his constituents in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Later in life, Norm looked forward to the Saturday night card parties.

Norm is survived by his sons, Norman Jr. "Pete" McAllister and his wife Beth, and Heath McAllister and his wife Lora; son-in-law, Charles Rice Jr.; grandchildren, Clarinda McAllister, Faith McAllister, Peyton McAllister and his partner Morgan Lavoy, Lillian McAllister, Clayton McAllister, and Kaitlyn Rice; his devoted partner, Mary Lou Booth and her family, especially her granddaughter Briana who had a special bond with Norm; sister-in-law, Sharon McAllister, and Jane McAllister; and several nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, Norm was predeceased by his wife, Lena McAllister; their daughter, Tara Rice; and his brothers, Gerald McAllister, and David McAllister.

Friends & family are invited to Norm's life celebration to include visitation from 4-7:00 PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Avenue, Enosburg Falls, VT. A graveside funeral service will be this spring in East Highgate Cemetery.

For those who wish, contributions in Norm's memory may be made to Highgate Parks & Recreation, 243 Gore Road, Highgate, VT 05459.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com