Former Cal Poly Wrestling Standout Norm Gomes Dies

FRESNO, Calif. -- Norm Gomes, who served Cal Poly in the playing arena, on the coaching sidelines and as an active alumni supporter, passed away over the weekend.

During his three-year career as a wrestler at Cal Poly, Gomes placed third and fourth in the Pacific Coast Division I championsip tourneys. He was an assistant for the undefeated 1957-58 team, and guided the junior varsity team to an undefeated season that year.

Gomes, 75, was an insurance broker for 50 years, starting the Compare Insurance Agency in Clovis, California in 1974 and serving as president of the company. He was a valuable volunteer for the Cal Poly athletics department, helping with various fundraising efforts including the Tulare golf tournament and many athletic reunions. He also served as president of the statewide Cal Poly alumni membership drive in 1992.

Gomes, inducted into the Cal Poly Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993 and a member of the selection committee for many years, is survived by his wife, Natalie, along with four children and four grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, May 9, from noon to 7 pm at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Ave, Clovis.

Mass will be held Tuesday, May 10, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 929 Harvard Ave., Clovis, beginning at 10 am. Graveside services will follow at the Clovis Cemetery, corner of Herndon and Villa, in Clovis. After the graveside services, a reception will be held at the home of one of Gomes' sons, Andy Gomes, located at 717 McKelvy Ave, Clovis.

"We are hoping people will have stories to share about my father, and laugh as they remember him, as much as possible," said Andy Gomes. "I know that is what he would have wanted.

"We are also asking that, rather than flowers, if people wish to remember my father, that they please donate to Cal Poly scholarship funding," Andy Gomes added. "My dad always worked hard to give kids a chance to attend Cal Poly, because the school meant so much to him."