Norman R. North

Norman was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, January 26, 1932. Norman’s family soon moved to California, where Norman spent the early years of his life.

After attending USC, Norman enlisted in the United States Air Force. Norman would serve in Korea and Vietnam, be honorably discharged with the rank of Major, continue to serve in the National Guard, and later retire from military service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Norman transitioned from military service to work in the aerospace and defense industries for many years. Norman would later move to Oregon, where he started and operated a small software company for over 30 years.

Norman is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Laurie, son Steve (Diane), sister Sharon,  sister-in-law Virginia, stepchildren, Steve (Bambi), Cathy (Aaron), Sue, Lori, Bill (Margaret), Valerie, Linda (Alex), and Michelle, granddaughters, Jamie and Natalie, thirteen step-grandchildren and thirteen step-greatgrandchildren. Norman was preceded in death by his first wife Lois, brothers-in-law Fred and Edward, and stepson Doug.

Norman and Mary were married on July 28, 2000 and, even though they found each other late in life, they were still blessed to have over twenty glorious and love-filled years together, during which they enjoyed simple things like walking in Bush Park and sitting on their driveway waving to neighbors driving by. Norman and Mary loved to travel. They took trips to California, Mississippi, New York and Florida. They cruised the Hawaiian Islands and enjoyed a special “birthday” cruise off the coast of Mexico. They also traveled to Cuba and Italy.

The word universally used to describe Norman by the people who knew him is generous. At big family gatherings—of which there were many—Norman was always either making sure everyone’s plate and glass was full or he was behind the scenes cleaning up and taking pictures of the children. Norman had a big impact on his grandchildren. Norman had an open door and his grandchildren often came to him for his for support and counsel.

Kind and caring, you never heard Norman raise his voice or utter an unkind word. Norman was as kind with the person sweeping the sidewalk out front as he was to the person who owned the building.

Norman will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Norman’s 90th birthday.

Expressions of sympathy can be made in Norman’s memory to Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the charity of your choice