Norman Edwin StebbinsAge: 701946-2016Norman Edwin Stebbins passed away of natural causes Thursday, December 15, 2016. Norm was born on July 28, 1946 to William & Dora Stebbins in Montpelier, Vermont He is survived by his wife, Barbara; stepsons Seth (and Marisa) Shoemaker and Jake Shoemaker and fiancé Aimee Bailey; Brothers Allen (and Judy) and Everett (and Sylvia) Stebbins. Norm graduated from Burlington High School received his Masters of Science Degree in Physics and a Masters in Micro-Biology from the University of Vermont (UVM) and arrived in Columbia in 1980 where he was a research assistant for several years at the University of Missouri in plant physiology and biochemistry.Norm and Barbara's first date was on a tandem bike in 1997 and they were married in 2003 on top of the Empire State Building. They were each other's best friends and led a wonderful life together.Norm lived a rarified life tied to intensive physical prowess and spiritual completeness. He served 8 years in the Vermont Army National Gaud. He was an avid cyclist and runner as well as an adventurer. He was a long time member of the Columbia Track club and competed in many races, including numerous marathons. Among his quests he traveled to Peru with 6 friends to climb the legendary peak of Alpamayo, the most coveted and beautiful ice climb within the Cordillera Blanca of South America. Other exploits included several technical climbs in North America, and skiing and bivouacking in remote places. Norm and friends climbed desert pinnacles of Utah and Arizona. He once spent the night on Shiprock, a sacred mountain in the high desert of New Mexico. Norm logged many hours on his mountain bike riding the trails and roads around Columbia and Boone County often in weather unthinkable to most. Norm had a quiet nature and a kind and gentle soul that was evident whether he was sitting and talking with a friend or engaging in extreme physical activity. He was a man who could always be trusted whether on the end of rope on a climb, a position of extreme bike riding with a buddy or tandem-partner or an unplanned, over-night in the most remote and extreme outdoor venues and conditions.He was a loyal member of a Tuesday night gathering of friends touching on four decades, where many of the world's issues were discussed and argued. Norm served as an emergency medical technician for Boone Hospital Center's ambulance services. He was the master of steady patience, compassion and resolve in the most dire of circumstances. His family and loved ones could always depend on his caring and calming presence especially in moments of crisis. Norm was a dear and special friend to many and will be greatly missed.Online condolences may be left for the family at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com A celebration of his life will be held 5:00 PM, Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Shakespeare's Pizza, downtown location. Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.