Bill Norman Obituary

Bill Norman
June 21, 1922 - May 1, 2017
Bill Norman was born on June 21, 1922 in Parma, Idaho and raised in Caldwell. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1940 and began studies at the College of Idaho that fall. However, after one semester, like so many men of what Tom Brokaw has styled "the Greatest Generation," he became convinced of the inevitability of war and joined the United States' Navy.
Nearly all of Bill's six-year term of service in the Navy was spent at sea in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1946.
Earlier that same year, Bill met and married Winona Humble of Teton Valley, Idaho, who, at the time was a registered nurse at Holy Rosary Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Their first home was in Boise, Idaho. Bill decided to pursue a degree in watch-making (horology) offered by North Idaho Junior College. He pushed through the course quickly and returned to Caldwell to begin his business career. His first business was a watch bench at Caldwell Drug Store on the comer of Seventh and Main. Shortly thereafter, he and Wyn rented space of their own and started to build Norman Jewelers in earnest. Norman Jewelers has been located in downtown Caldwell for all of its 68 years and continues now under the ownership of his son Dan and daughter-in-law Kathy Norman.
Bill has always taken very seriously his obligation to contribute to his community. He ran for mayor of Caldwell in 1960. In the 1970's he was elected to the Caldwell City Council and served energetically. He has always been engaged in the civic affairs of his home town.
He was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With his wife Wyn, he served a mission in the Philippines from 1986 to 1988. Together they served in the Boise Temple for 13 years.
Bill and Wyn raised three sons-William A. Norman of Spokane, Washington and Daniel E. Norman and Robert J. Norman, both of Caldwell. Their posterity now includes 19 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Wyn who passed away in 2005 at the age of 82.
The Norman family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful and compassionate care of the staff at West Valley Medical Center. Thank you to all of his dear friends at CCSO and the Caldwell YMCA.
A viewing will be held at Dakan Funeral Chapel on Thursday May 4th from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Services will be held at the Caldwell Idaho East Stake center 11792 East Linden Road on Friday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m. There will also be a viewing from 9 - 9:45 a.m. prior to services in the Relief Society Room.

Published by Idaho Press Tribune on May 3, 2017.
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My daddy graduated with Bill in 1940. My dad always spoke kindly of him. They were born the same year not far from one another. My dad, Roy Ford was born in Wilder. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was one of the greatest generation all right. What a sweet legacy he left behind. He even made me a pair elk tooth earrings one time years ago. It is so wonderful that Dan can carry on the jewelry business.

Dayle Miller (Ford)

May 7, 2017

What a sweet man. Made our wedding rings from old gold and diamonds 35 years ago. They will always remind us of him and his kindness!

Connie & Cliff Cates/Griffitts

May 6, 2017

I really thought the world of your Dad. He was the sweetest man. I am sorry for your loss.

jeannette (Mckie) Skinner

May 5, 2017

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