Norman Saba

Norman Saba passed away May 16, 2012. Norman was born Feb. 18, 1929, in Mesa, Ariz. He was the third of seven children born to Adele (nee Tibshraeny) and David Nehman Saba of Mesa.

Norman graduated from Mesa High School and was an All State high school football athlete. He attended Northern Arizona University and Arizona State College at Tempe (now known as Arizona State University). He graduated with a degree in education and also excelled in football. He recalled that it would be nothing to play a game on Friday night and then another the next day. He was a devoted Sun Devil.

Norman married his college sweetheart, Glennys (Terry) DeVere Paul in 1951. They were married for 60 cherished years.

He served in the National Guard and taught school. Norman left his teaching career to work in his family business, Saba's Western Stores. He worked side by side with his father, brothers and sisters. He and his family grew their business from three to eight stores throughout the Valley. Saba's is celebrating their 85th year in business.

Norman was very active in the Scottsdale Charros and Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. He had many passions including farming and gardening, which he enjoyed both commercially and as a hobby. He loved sharing the bounty of his crops with friends and family and was known affectionately as the "Watermelon King" for his deliciously sweet watermelons.

Norman was also an avid fisherman and hunter. He was active for many years in both Anglers United and Ducks Unlimited.

Norman, his family and friends spent many vacations on their annual Lake Powell houseboat trip. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a true love and devotion for family. Norman touched the lives of numerous people over the years and will be remembered for his love of life, and he will be greatly missed.