Norman Edward Bent

On April 20th,1933, God blessed the world with a man who would show people how much he loved his
family, country and extravagant Belizean and Belizean-American lifestyle. His name was Norman Edward
Bent Sr.

Born and raised in Belize City, Belize (then known as British Honduras) to a Belizean Mother (born and
raised in Belize City) Miss Ivy Webster, and a Jamaican Father (born and raised in Jamaica) Mr. Rufus
Bent who was from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Known to close family and friends as "Bob" or "Bent". Norman
had a total of 17 brothers and sisters. Norman was the fifth of seven kids for Ivy Webster, and the third
of eleven kids for Rufus Bent.

Norman was raised by his mother Ivy, up until the age of 13 when Ivy passed away. Leaving him and the
rest of his mother's kids to be raised by her mother, Miss Evelyn Webster whom he loved very much.
Norman would also spend time with his father and his siblings on his father’s side as well. One thing he
did while growing up, he helped his siblings and his family members as much as he could. After
completing Wesley Primary School in Belize City, Norman would work all kinds of different jobs
alongside some of his siblings in order to survive. Another thing he learned from his family members, as
well as himself while growing up in Belize, was to work hard to accomplish his goals. He continued to
have this work ethic in his adult life.

At the age of 25, Norman met his wife through his sister Yvonne Bent. He met and fell in love with Miss
Marion Andrews. They married in December of 1958. Norman had one stepson, Edison Andrews. In this
marriage, Marion and Norman had 5 children. Beverly Bent-Sanford, Bernadette Bent, Carla Bent (died
in 1996), Norman Bent Jr. (Junie) and Dwayne Bent.

Norman not only was known as a family man, being genuinely kind to all his children, he was also known
as an extremely hardworking, honest man to his family and friends.

He also was known as one of the most successful Creole Belizean men in Belize during the 1960's and
1970's. Norman became an excellent salesman, working for Maiestre’s Industry Limited
company (known as MADISCO in Belize today). Through this job, as well as his hard work and
determination, was able to move into Kings Park (brand new upper and upper middle class area) in the
late 1960s. He was known as being the first Creole Black Belizean men to own a home in that area. As well as taking excellent care of his family, he also helped all his family members on both sides to work
with him. Another wonderful thing about Norman, he helped as much of his family when becoming a
success in Belize.

In 1980, Norman and Marion and his whole family relocated to Los Angeles, California. Norman and
Marion would also achieve the American Dream. While living in America (similar to his Kings Park
lifestyle) Norman and Marion did it all together. He was able to live a successful life and traveled
extensively. They particularly enjoyed going to Palm Springs and Belize, as well as visiting different parts
of America and other countries. Marion and Norman did it all.

While living in California, Norman loved to work hard and retired from a job whom he loved very much,
Felix Chevrolet. This was a job in which he got when he first came to America and kept it until
retirement.

Norman loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Some of his
favorite hobbies were cleaning and washing his car, telling jokes, dressing well and he loved to dance.
One thing that was unforgettable was how much he loved to dance. He danced until the day he died. He
also was very proud man. Norman loved and adored his culture. He was also a Proud Belizean and spoke
Belizean Creole until the day he died.

Norman Edward Bent Sr. was predeceased by his brothers Eric and Gilbert Sanchez, Cyril & "Bunny" Bent,
Rudolph Bent, Anthony Bent and Roy Bent. His sisters Grace Flowers, Aleitha Hyde, Olga Kemp, Edith
Bent and Linda Bent. He also was predeceased by his daughter, Miss Carla Marie Bent and his wife
Marion Iona Bent.

He leaves behind his stepson Edison, his children, Beverly Bent-Sanford, Bernadette Bent, Norman Bent
Jr, Dwayne Bent; daughters-in-law Virnalisi Bent and April Bent; a son-in-law, Edward Lebron Sanford I. He also leaves behind his sisters Edith Hamilton, Yvonne Bent, Marion Bent; Rosalie Bent; and his brother, Russell Bent. Norman also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren, great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and plenty of cousins.

Norman Edward Bent Sr. will be missed very much. Sunrise in 1933 and Sunset in 2022.