RIP Norm Liebmann/Firehat
God rest his soul
Posted on 04/09/2012 8:18:46 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
We, on the web, knew him as "Firehat". The world knew him as Norman Liebmann, outstanding award winning comic writer. He was our friend, always there with encouragement to fight the good fight for the country he loved so much.
Following is the message from his family, who we know must miss his wit and love even more than we do. There is an empty space no one else can fill with his passing.
THE PASSING OF NORMAN –Date : 2010-12-20
THE HAT’S OFF, BUT THE FLAME IS ETERNAL ©
by the Family of Norman Liebmann
It is with great sorrow that the family of Norman Liebmann (FIREHAT) now informs all his faithful readers of Norman’s recent passing, December 20, 2010.
Although a brilliant and popular writer with over 50 years experience in the entertainment industry both in New York and California, Norman Liebmann was a very private person- with his comedic and also serious side showing through in all his writings.
For any of those, and others past and future, who might also desire the pleasurable experience of reading Norman’s humorous, prolific, insightful and prophetic email writings, it is the family’s intention to keep Norman’s site and articles (all 595 of them) available, as they are timeless reading.
*** In an interview not too long ago, Norman was asked: “What about the future? Where are you going?” Norman replied: “There are many wonderful places still left for me to go. How “wonderful” they will be may depend on whether or not I have been invited.”
We feel – and many of his readers have expressed the same opinion – it can only be UP!
***
Norman Liebmann was a writer for many celebrities, most notably Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Bob Newhart, and Johnny Carson. The name Firehat came from a friend, a graphics artist, who quipped that Norman was on fire with his quick wit and never ending stream of quips, jabs and jokes. He created the image with the bowler top-hat and eternal flame that became Norman’s moniker... Firehat!
Forwarded to me today. Prayers up for Norm’s family and loved ones.
Prayers up
Prayers going out from this house for Norm. I used to visit his site a lot. He’ll be missed. He was one of us.
Prayers up for Firehat, his family and friends.
I don’t think I read any of his posts, but I’m saddened to hear of his passing.
Hopefully things are good otherwise.
Prayers for the family. It is sad for us when God calls the good ones to be with Him.
RIP.
Oh my, I didn’t know Norman was gone. Rest in peace Firehat, you were absolutely brilliant. Thank you.
Prayers for the family.
I did not realize he had passed away.
Prayers to his family and loved ones.
He was one of the originals... RIP, Firehat.
RIP
Adding my prayers for his family and friends.
Wow... Norman died well over a year ago.
I don’t remember hearing about this. Thanks for the heads up.
RIP
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:firehat/index?brevity=full;tab=comments
Firehat was an original, pre-Lewinsky scandal freeper.
Signed up with the first registration in November 1997.
Prayers for his family and friends.
Rest in peace. A truly funny man and a great contributor to Free Republic.
The classic rant that is occasionally posted here is attributed to him. I saved it the first time I read it as it is hysterical. Out of respect though ... it won’t be posted on here; wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression of the man. Would have loved to know him and would love to know the story behind that post if you would care to share sometime.
Why is it that all of our good ones are going? (rhetorical) I don’t get it.
This just in: He was one of my favourites.
We lost a giant when we lost Norm (aka "Firehat").
Thanks, Jim. It’s too bad we did not know of his passing for over a year.
I hope he will be have a tribute on the Free Republic Memorial Wall.
Prayers for family and friends. Sounds like a life well lived!
Norm’s comic relief was a welcome respite in the heat of the early days here. He always answered my comments and inquiries promptly, and was always thoughful and courteous. I will remember him as a good, good man, who always managed to help us not to take events, or each other, too seriously.
God Bless You, Norm.
Norm’s comic relief was a welcome respite in the heat of the early days here. He always answered my comments and inquiries promptly, and was always thoughful and courteous. I will remember him as a good, good man, who always managed to help us not to take events, or each other, too seriously.
God Bless You, Norm.
One of my favorites. We used to communicate through email, and he was about as funny as anybody I’ve ever known. He will be missed.
Oh, no! I loved that guy and his sense of humor. He had an amazing wit. Condolences to his family and friends. Very sad to hear this.
Oh Jim....
Logan’s and trussell’s prayer warriors....please pray for FR Firehat’s family and friends.
If any of his family is reading this, please accept our condolences.
R.I.P. Norm... I remember the VERY old days of you here at Jim Robinson’s FREE REPUBLIC.... We could read every post and comment in about 15 minutes.. you were a big part of the success.
Rest in Peace, old FRiend! And THANK you for you insight, wit and wisdom over the years. SALUTE!!
WE will miss you, brother Freeper!
Naw .... Damnit ....
Prayers for his family.
It should be noted that he helped develop The Munsters and co-wrote the pilot (and other episodes, I believe).
RIP Firehat
R.I.P. Firehat.
R.I.P. Firehat.
I had no idea, Jim. I had wondered where Firehat had gone to; hadn’t seen anything from him in quite a while. I’m shocked to learn why.
Please pass on our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
He is missed. The guy was awesome.
http://images.mitrasites.com/norm-liebmann.html
I'll try to find his web site tomorrow - it's gone from its' old home: FIREHAT@adelphia.net ..................................... FRegards
http://images.mitrasites.com/norm-liebmann.html
I'll try to find his web site tomorrow - it's gone from its' old home: FIREHAT@adelphia.net ..................................... FRegards
BTTT
Prayers up, for his family and friends.
May God bless.
Tatt
Yesterday I read a comment posted by some sweet lady who because of my failing memory I can’t remember her screen name, mentioned Firehat. Realizing I hadn’t seen his postings lately I went to his homepage to view his postings. His last one was in 2010. I then did a web search and found the obit. I checked the Memorial Wall and saw that his name was missing so I notified you.
Thank you for Freerepublic.
I corresponded with Norm for quite some time. He coined the term “Marxist Brothers” to describe one particularly leftist cabal of congressmen, and I wrote a piece describing what I called the “Lenin Sisters,” Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe. He contacted me and asked if he could borrow the line — high praise coming from a man of his talent.
I know his output has diminished of late and now I know why. But you can bet that if there are any shenanigans in the Great Beyond, Norm Liebman will not let them pass unnoticed.
Farewell, old comrade. Keep the fire burning.
However, here is a small sample of his work, preserved on Free Republic several years ago.
RIP Firehat, loved your This Just In articles. Nobody ever savaged the Clinton Admin the way you did.
Prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time. Whenever I read about a FReeper passing, I feel like I lost a good friend. Sad news...
prayers for his loved ones
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