Rhododendron resident Norman “Norm” Dale Thomsen passed away on November 18, 2016 after a long illness. He was 85.
Norm was born in Dickson, Alberta Canada on October 1, 1931. His family moved to Portland, Oregon in 1949.
Norm was married to Helen Stemmons for a short time and they had 2 children, Donna and Brian.
In 1963, Norm married June Ehlert and was with her until her death June 11, 2002. They enjoyed cooking, watching hockey, fishing and traveling.
In 2009 he married Mary Lou Lucas who was his loving companion and caretaker until his death.
Norm worked as a ranch hand, logger, lithographer, service technician and teacher before settling down as an engineer with Press Specialties Manufacturing. He worked his way to become the CEO. He retired in 1990 and moved to the Brightwood area.
Norm enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and traveling. He loved to garden and became a master gardener. His garden in Portland was a showcase and visited by many garden clubs. Norm spent many hundreds of hours volunteering. He remained active in the community with the Oregon State Police Volunteers, Hoodland Lutheran Church, Mt. Hood Lions Club, Hoodland Emergency Response Team. He was a founding member of the Trillium Trails Garden club and I Walk Community Garden. He had a great sense of humor and was a storyteller. His short funny stories will be missed by all his family and friends.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents; brother Merlin; and his wife June of 39 years. Norm is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughter Donna Heyting (Jim); son Brian (Michelle); sisters Joyce Jacobson (Gene) and Elva Sattergren; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
At Norm’s request, there will be no services.
Family requests that memorial gifts be made to Hoodland Lutheran Church
PO Box 94
Brightwood, OR 97011-0594