Tribute to Norm Casola

[1argoholic]

Glad that our thoughts about Norm are a comfort in some way. Good luck with your schooling and soccer career.

[argonaut11xx]

ESPN Classic Canada is playing the first ever game by the Baltimore Stallions, v the Argo's at Skydome.

American feed, but lots of footage of your uncle #35, Norm Casola.

Lots of praise on special teams as well......

BTW,....Mike Pringle was a backup, and a hell of a special team player...

WOW, NFL great Tom Matte is interveiwed..and he is a Canadian..who knew...as much as expansion was a DUD...the Stallions were a great addition

[argolio]

WOW, NFL great Tom Matte is interveiwed..and he is a Canadian..who knew

You sure you heard that right? His Wikipedia page says he was born in Pittsburgh.

[argonaut11xx]

Well Tom Matte said he was "Canadian", however the truth is his father was Canadian, and he himself is a duel citizen.
(see the third paragraph down)

BTW..some very interesting grey cup talk in this sportspage.



http://news.google.com/newspapers?ni...g=5357,5076438

[rach01]

Hello,

I am one of Norm Casola's nieces, Rachel. Has anyone found out where this chopper came from or whom it belongs to? Would love to know the story behind it. It is very nice to see that so many people remember my Uncle and knew him to be such a wonderful person. He was such a beautiful person and is missed every day.

Thank you for all of your stories!
Rachel Casola

[Stevoman]

Came across these today that have Norm in them in the second half of each video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCF76oEpS-c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf0HsRKFGOQ

[ArgoGabe22]

Looks like Trent Guy was enjoying his time with the Argo Chopper.

[Will]

This was in King City wasn't it?

[Tamsilva]

Hello again, very nice to hear your stories. I have showed my mom this thread, (Carla Casola) she is Norm's older sister. They were inseparable, especially throughout their childhood. We are very happy to read all of your comments about him and it is great to see that after 14 years, his memory still lives on and that you all speak about him so respectfully and honourably. I was only 6 when he passed away, but I remember him asking me to one day find a cure for cancer. He is definitely the inspiration that has encouraged me to strive for success throughout my athletic career. I am a varsity soccer player for Laurentian University in Sudbury, ON. I like to believe I possess the same passion for soccer that my Uncle did for football and that is what I admire him the most for; how much he loved the game and how he played it with so much pride, determination and heart. Thanks for all of your comments, they were a pleasure to read. I have always said that I wish I had known him better, and all of these posts are so enlightening and I am proud as his niece to have read them all. - Ashley Melnek

Hi Ashley it is Tammy I am so happy I found this I think of uncle norm each day. I have his picture by my side and the little inspiration footprints book that he gave me. I miss him terribly. I have some pictures of him and I. Would love to share. Xo

Hello,

I am one of Norm Casola's nieces, Rachel. Has anyone found out where this chopper came from or whom it belongs to? Would love to know the story behind it. It is very nice to see that so many people remember my Uncle and knew him to be such a wonderful person. He was such a beautiful person and is missed every day.

Thank you for all of your stories!
Rachel Casola

Hi Rachel. Uncle norm is missed so much. I wish I can go back in time. He brought so much love to my life and I believe that He is with me each day. There is no one out there that can compare to him. I miss listening to Keith sweat and having our nice dinners that uncle norm would cook so often with me. For one day we will meet again. Love you guys all.

[1argoholic]

I think of Norm often and those were great days when he was an Argonaut. I remember hanging with many of the guys at Badali's after games. Norm was one of the great guys who always had a hey, Mark for me. Losing him was very tough for everyone around the team in those days. Still have his photo on my Argoholic coveralls and every Grey Cup people who don't know his story still ask about his photo.

[ArgoRavi]

I think of Norm often and those were great days when he was an Argonaut. I remember hanging with many of the guys at Badali's after games. Norm was one of the great guys who always had a hey, Mark for me. Losing him was very tough for everyone around the team in those days. Still have his photo on my Argoholic coveralls and every Grey Cup people who don't know his story still ask about his photo.

What saddens me is that people don't know his story. If he were an NHL player, there would have been a movie made about him. Someone should do a movie on Casola based on a terrific Perry Lefko article about what he went through that Perry did not long after Casola's death.

[doubleblue]

Perry Lefko also did a great piece on former Argo DE Chuck Walsh's Mother who was a super fan and cookie baker for the team. She left this earth a way to soon as well.

[1argoholic]

I remember my wife and I meeting a very excited mother at the upper practice field at Erindale while watching practice. It was Chucks mom. She was a GREAT woman who always seemed to be around and love the whole Argo scene.

[jcasola]

Wow this is a really awesome thread. Norm Casola was one of my early heroes as a small boy. He was my uncle (My father, Lewis Casola’s younger brother). He still remains in my heart and I think of him often and the memories I shared with him as A youngster. He was taken from us when I was 9. My grit, determination, and quiet presence comes in part from this man. I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, ON but now live with my wife, two kids, and soon to be son in sunny Orlando, FL.

Thanks for sharing. I love you Uncle Norm. Rest In Peace brother

[Stevoman]

Welcome aboard and yes, your uncle was a hero to many!