Lt. Commander Norman D. Bugg, US Navy, Ret.

Lieutenant Commander Norman D. Bugg famously known for his home in the northeast heights being decorated at Christmas time with hundreds of thousands of lights and animated displays, passed away on September 30, 2018.

His home, known as the “Bugg House” or “The Christmas House,” provided a most wonderful and spectacular display during the holiday season for thousands of New Mexicans and others for over 30 years. The display received national attention and created what many referred to as the “real Christmas spirit” as there was always plenty of magic to experience at the “Christmas House”.

Mr. Bugg was born on March 17, 1929 in Canton, Ohio and served a 28-year career in the United States Navy where he enlisted as a sailor, worked his way up the ranks, and retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1975 (to accomplish this career trajectory is very uncommon). His Navy career would take him all over the world where he served in the Korean War and served two tours in Vietnam.  He then settled down in his adopted hometown of Albuquerque where he bought and operated the Monterey Motel near Old Town for over 25 years.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Bugg; his brother, Billy Bugg; his sons, Matthew Bugg (Joy), Nathan Bugg, Patrick Bugg; daughter, Kimberly Bugg Sanchez; grandchildren, Julianne Bugg Apodaca (Gabriel), Tara Bugg Hinchen (Curtis), Andrew Bugg, Darcie Cotton (Alex), Leslie Bugg, Jared Bugg, and Jason Bugg; and seven great-grandchildren.

A public visitation and viewing will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at FRENCH-Lomas. An additional viewing will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1100 Montano Rd. NW. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend, to pay their respects. A Graveside Service with full military honors will be held at Sunset Memorial Park immediately following the church service.