Laguna Beach Non-Profit Founder Dies In E-Bike Crash

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach resident Norman Rest, a nonprofit owner and contractor, died Monday after crashing his e-bike on Canyon View Drive and Buena Vista Way, officials say.

Rest lived in Orange County since 1960, according to a report from the Laguna Beach Independent.

A contractor, Rest has built homes in the Laguna Beach area since he was 21-years-old. He constructed 12 of the Top of the World homes and has built houses in Newport Beach, across Orange County and the world.

He and his father began the Lido Sailing Club over 40 years ago, now home to the Windward Sailing Club and Lido Paddle Sports. In 2020, Rest and his wife, Debra Kottke, co-founded the Lido Paddle Project to support veterans and first responders in their mental wellness through paddleboarding.

That nonprofit has served over 300 people with free stand-up paddleboarding lessons since it began in September 2020, according to the Independent.

He spent his time playing and restoring stringed instruments, surfing, downhill skiing, paddling, rebuilding classic cars and e-biking.

Rest is survived by his wife, Debra Kottke, and his children Chris and Elizabeth.

According to BikinginLa.com, Rest's is the 60th bicycling fatality in Southern California in 2021, and the seventh bicycling fatality this year in Orange County.

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Orange County Sheriff's Department advises all e-bike riders to be cautious of speed, be aware of your surroundings, and always wear your helmet.