Oliver Imbler Norville

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Stanford University

Oliver Norville Obituary

Norville, Oliver Imbler 86 Jan. 18, 1928 Nov. 13, 2014 Oliver "Olly" Norville died peacefully Nov. 13, 2014, at the age of 86. Family, friends and professional colleagues remember Olly as a thoughtful and gentle man with enormous integrity and a commitment always to give more than he received. Born and raised in Portland, Olly attended Rose City Park Elementary School and Grant High School. After serving two years in the U.S. Navy, Olly entered Stanford University where he earned a B.A. and J.D. There he met Mary Bulkeley who would become his beloved wife of 61 years. Olly and Mary settled in Portland in 1954. Olly served as an assistant Portland City Attorney before entering private practice in 1959. A member of the Oregon State Bar for more than 50 years, Olly represented public redevelopment agencies throughout the state, notably serving as chief legal counsel for the Portland Development Commission for 30 years. Olly drafted most of the Oregon Statutes on Urban Renewal and remained a recognized expert on their meaning and intent throughout his life. His counsel to public agencies contributed to the rebirth and growth of many of Oregon's cities and counties. Olly worked pro bono for many charities and organizations. He is remembered for his long tenure on Multnomah County's Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission as well as for his work on behalf of the Oregon Parks Foundation and the Portland-Suzhou Sister City Association. Family was the center of Olly's life. He and Mary raised six children, all of whom credit their Dad for instilling in them a sense of fair play. He never tired of reminding them that doing the right thing was more than an obligation; it also made you feel good. Olly is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Virginia Jensen; children, David Conant-Norville (Karen), Elizabeth (Peter Schwartz), John, Margaret Roberts (Tom), Anne Williams (John) and Peter (Sayuri Mizuno); and 15 grandchildren. The family will host a celebration of Olly's life on his birthday, Jan. 18, 2015. Remembrances in Olly's name may be made to the Nature Conservancy for its projects in Oregon, 821 S.E. 14th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 or to a charity of your choice.

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Published by The Oregonian from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Oliver Norville

13 Entries

Peter Williams

November 16, 2015

A thing I forgot to add was that when I substitute taught at Grant High 20 years ago, it was fun to walk the long hallway with all the sports teams from past years. Olly was in several pictures, that I assume are still there.

Jeff Tashman

January 12, 2015

Olly became my mentor in 1983 and for decades he was a dear friend. I will always remember him as a kind and gentle soul.

Ray Bowman

December 16, 2014

I worked with Ollie for ten years (71-81) and always found him not only extremely knowledgeable and approachable. He was a real legend in all matters urban renewal. He is irreplaceable. And a real gentleman. He will be greatly missed.

Robert Holmes

December 16, 2014

I was lucky to count Ollie as first a colleague and then a friend. I learned so much from working with Ollie, and have relied on his insights throughout my real estate development career. He was a gentlemen, a thoughtful advocate for PDC and community leader.
I will miss him but relish the fact that I can draw upon his wisdom in the years to come.
Robert Holmes and the Holmes Family

Larry Brown

December 15, 2014

Its been thirty years now since I met Ollie as a new staff member at PDC in 1984. Upon hearing that our family with two little girls aged 2 and 4 were new Eastmoreland neighbors, Ollie offered us the use of the family's beautiful pool. Relocating from Detroit, the girls thought they were in paradise and thrilled at just walking into a neighbor's yard and jumping in their pool. They still remember this as I remember how kind and supportive Ollie was for the many years we worked together.

Sunset at Salishan

Scott Corbett

November 30, 2014

Dear Norvilles-

We were so sorry to hear the news about Ollie. We are down at the beach reminiscing about Ollie and your family and all the years we've known the Norvilles. You were wonderful neighbors and friends to our family. We're grateful that you introduced us to Salishan.

(Scott) remembers Ollie as basketball coach and always a model for integrity. Mary and Ollie were an exemplar for loving partnership and generosity of self. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Scott, Doug and Janis Corbett

Dolores Conant

November 28, 2014

My sincere sympathy to the family.

November 25, 2014

Ollie was a real gentleman. He will be missed by many of us.
Donna Mae & Paul Kunkel

Ken Handel

November 24, 2014

I was privileged to be one of Olly's countless friends, in our case over sixty years! There was something special about him. Perhaps it was his generosity, warmth, and integrity. In any event, I will miss him and always recall the many lunches and fun we shared.

Peter Williams

November 23, 2014

I was sorry to see the obituary in the paper today. Olly was a great 8th grade basketball coach for me and David. He also helped out with our boy scout troop. He was a great guy who set a very positive example for us kids way back when. I know too that my folks liked and respected Olly a lot. He will be missed.

Gary & Theresa Cook

November 23, 2014

We shared many years, events and memories with Olly. We will miss our friend.

Shirley Gilbert Gibbons

November 23, 2014

One of the nice guys!