"Surrounded by family, Norman P. Lander, age 85, peacefully left his earthly home on January 31, 2017 to enter his heavenly home. Born August 24, 1931 in Boston, MA to the late George M. and Eleanor (McCurdy) Lander, Norm was educated in Quincy, MA public schools and Thayer Academy, Braintree. A Korean War Air Force Veteran, he proudly served his country from October 1950 until May 1961. A graduate of the Yale-New Haven School of Respiratory Therapy, he established the first Respiratory Therapy Department in Western Massachusetts at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital. Later he went on to be a Field Engineer for LISP Machine Inc., an artificial intelligence computer firm, where his role was to serve the Eastern United States and Europe. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers George Lander of Braintree, and Robert Lander of Boston. He leaves the love of his life, his wife of nearly 52 years, Shirley (Martell) Lander, as well as 6 children, Pamela Richardson of Mount Holly, NC, Susan Corkill and husband Daniel, of Amherst, MA, Norman P. (Scott) Lander, Jr. and wife Laurie of Mint Hill, NC, Todd Lander of Salem, NH, Christie Lander of Turners Falls, MA, and Cheryl Boulanger and husband Norman of East Petersburg, PA. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a cousin, Mary McDermott of GA, 2 nieces, 3 nephews, his brother-in-law, Harvey Allen of Amherst, MA, a beloved family member, Edie Fletcher and her family of Northbridge, MA, a treasured friend, Jacques Benoit of Belchertown, MA, and Zoie, Norm's precious cat. His dry sense of humor and love of camping and traveling will be remembered by all. Calling hours will be at the Beers & Story Funeral Home, Belchertown, MA, Wednesday February 1, from 6-8pm, followed by a short service by the Right Rev. Bishop Brian Marsh, Bishop of the Anglican Church in America. A private committal service will be held at the Agawam Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, or Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society "