Norman Dale Lear

1958 - 2025

Norman Dale Lear

March 27, 1958 - January 22, 2025

Norman Dale Lear passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 66, following complications from surgery to remove a brain tumor. He was born on March 27, 1958 to Peggy and Kitt Lear in Elko, Nev., and spent his early years at Sadler Ranch before moving to their ranch in Currie, Nev. in 1961.

Norman attended a one-room schoolhouse in Currie for grades one through eight, alongside his sisters Wynette and Sheri and his little brother Dana. He later attended high school in Elko, where he was active in FFA and enjoyed working at Smith Electric before graduating in 1976.

In 1978, Norman moved to Round Mountain, Nev., where he began a long and fulfilling career with Round Mountain Gold in the mining department. Over the course of nearly four decades, he built lifelong friendships and countless memories before retiring in 2016. It was during his time at the mine that Norman met the love of his life, Treesa, whom he married in 1979. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Valerie in 1987, the highlight of Norman's life. He adored being a dad.

Retirement saw Norman indulging in his favorite hobbies, from tinkering in his garage on his beloved 1966 Mustang and rusty tractors to cruising the Nevada hills on his side-by-side with his faithful dog, Topper, by his side. Daily trips to Shoshone Market for jerky and coffee became a cherished routine, as did chatting with the girls there.

Norman's love of the outdoors took him to Alaska, where he shared memorable trips with his brother Dana. Though he dreamed of living there, Treesa would never go for it, so he settled for frequent visits instead. Whether "hunting" and "scouting" at Base Camp with his close friend Warren or helping his brother-in-law gather cattle using a four-wheeler, Norman embraced rural life with joy.

He had a passion for car shows, drones, and teaching his grandsons, Reese and Jett, life lessons. Norman's annual traditions with his sisters, including their birthday weekends and trips to the Elko County Fair for cheeseburgers and horse races, were among his most treasured memories.

Norman's legacy is carried on by his wife of 45 years, Treesa; his daughter, Valerie Wagner (Cody); his grandsons, Reese and Jett; his siblings, Wynette (Mark) Beckett, Sheri (John) Nalivka, and Dana Lear; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services to honor Norman's life will be held on February 1 at 12 p.m. at the Donald L. Simpson Center in Round Mountain, Nev. A celebration of life will follow at Cousin Curt's, where friends and family are encouraged to bring their favorite dish and memories to share.

Norman will be remembered as a devoted family man, loyal friend, and a lover of rural life who could connect with anyone over hunting, cars, or the simple beauty of Nevada. He leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, stories, and love.