Norman "Bo" Robert Lively

On July 16, 2025, Norman Robert “Bo” Lively passed away peacefully at home. Born on February 11, 1947, to Max and Suzanne Lively at home during a blustery Tulsa blizzard, he knew at an early age that he wanted to live in sunny Arizona. Phoenix was the childhood home of his father whose family roots in Arizona date back to pre-statehood days in the 1800s.

Bo graduated in 1965 from Tulsa‘s Edison High School and went on to Oklahoma State University where he played on the baseball team and studied architectural engineering.

Upon graduating, he went on to serve proudly with the Army National Guard and later the Arizona Air National Guard before heading to Phoenix in 1971, where he began his lifelong career as a structural and civil engineer.

In December 1972, needing a date for a Christmas party, his friend John Tang set him up on a blind date. Victoria Diehl soon became his wife and partner in life for the next 52 years. Within a couple of years, Bo became a dad – his favorite job – to his daughter Katie, who filled him with pride and gave him immeasurable joy.

Bo cared greatly about his community and many friends. Always giving back to those around him, he was active with the Phoenix JayCees organizing the annual rodeo and the Men’s Art Council of the Phoenix Art Museum, and he also served on the board of the Maricopa County Red Cross. Bo was a man of great faith and a longtime member of the St. Francis Xavier Parish and the Brophy community. He spent many summers coaching and organizing girls softball for the St. Francis Xavier Little League and devoted countless hours to the Dads’ Club while Katie attended Xavier College Preparatory. Bo also managed the neighborhood association, where he was often referred to respectfully as “The Boss of the Street.”

Bo is survived by his wife, Victoria (Vicki); daughter Dr. (and Navy Commander) Katie Lively Swartz; son-in-law Navy Captain (Retired) Shaun Swartz; his most special and much-loved grandchildren, Hunter, Paige and Tucker; his big sister Judith Marsee Roach; many nieces and nephews and their children; and his Tiny Incredible Pup “Tip.”

The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Mayo Clinic and hospital, and especially Drs. Bernadette Reidy, his internist; Bryan Hardaway, his cardiologist; and Dave Gullen, a longtime friend and confidante; as well as their teams of PAs and nurses who were with him and cared for him during his journey with heart disease. Most recently, we offer great thanks to Hospice of the Valley and Father Kevin Dilworth for all they did to support him and Vicki while making his last days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation honoring his memory to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a charity that held great importance to Bo. You can find a link to donate at www.StVincentdePaul.net.

May Peace Be With You