Norman Miller McFadden Jr.

Norman Miller McFadden Jr., retired audio engineer, passed away on February 17, 2023. Norm was born in Palo Alto, CA on August 23, 1943 to Navy Lieutenant Norman McFadden Sr. and Hazel McFadden. Norm graduated from Menlo- Atherton High School in 1961. He moved to Corvallis, Oregon where he graduated with a degree in engineering from Oregon State University.

He married Karleen Barney in 1964, they had two sons, Dave and Jim. In 1969 the family moved to Redwood City, CA. where Norm went to work for Harworth Manufacturing, researching and developing medical equipment. Beginning in 1970 their niece Debby Fletcher joined the family. In 1977 the family moved to Lynnwood, WA. where Norm began his career in audio engineering.

Norm had always had a passion for motorcycles. He purchased his first bike, a BSA shortly after moving to Corvallis, he began racing shortly after that. He earned his national motorcycle ranking in 1963, competing in races up and down the west coast until the mid-1970’s. After retiring from motorcycle racing, Norm returned to his childhood hobby of model airplane flying. He flew in AMA fast combat contests all over the United States He was the winner of the US National Combat Championships two years in a row.

While Norm had great passion for his hobbies, he also had great love of his family. To his sons and their friends, he was known as Norm’s Towing and Repair. He rescued vehicles stuck in the mud or broken-down vehicles miles and miles from home. He repaired horse trailers and hauled horses. He was a master at untangling curling irons from little girls’ long hair. He taught his children as well as numerous nieces and nephews how to drive in his beloved Dodge Power Wagon.

Norm was a quiet, patient, man, he would tell you anything, but you had to ask.

Norm is survived by his wife Karleen, of 59 plus years; son David McFadden, son James McFadden, his wife Mari, niece Debby Fletcher, grandchildren Donna Brown, Steven Brown, Cassandra Tibbetts, her husband Ben, Michael McFadden, Jessica Boyd, her husband Spencer, three great grandchildren Georgia, Liberty and Henry Tibbetts, numerous nieces and nephews, and the Bentz family. He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Robert McFadden.

His final resting place will be Mr. Jefferson Cemetery, Madras, Oregon.