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BORN
1936
DIED
2022
Wilmer Nord Obituary
Wilmer Glen Nord
May 14, 1936 - Dec. 29, 2022
NAPA - Loving husband to Helen Joan Etheridge. Devoted father to Heidi Nord, Nancy Kanagy, sp. Jon Kanagy and Julie Nord Clark, sp. Don Clark.
Will fell in love with Joan for the quick wit she had. She fawned over the sparkle in his eyes and the laughter from his belly when she told a dirty joke. Will and Joan spent 60 years together with love and laughter which was contagious to all.
Picking cotton in 100 degree weather in Bakersfield didn't shy Will away from majoring in Ag Ed at UC Davis. Teaching FFA in Santa Rosa in the sixties, he kept both the students and livestock in line. Mom and Dad regaled the antics of their 600 lb pig, Louise. Will obtained the title of Professor Nord where he taught the inaugural Viticulture classes at Napa JC. His advisory committee consisted of the founders of the industry, Robert Mondavi, Louie Martini, Brother Tim and Joe Heitz.
A brand new winery, Domaine Chandon, stole him from the College. Will spent the seventies and eighties working as Vice President. His daughters approved of the job change. It included sliding down mountains of gravel and sand piled high to build the winery. Will let them endulge in the dessert buffet by Phillipe Jeanty. He instilled in them a lifelong enjoyment of Sparkling Wine. Striking out on his own in 1990, he formed Nord Vineyards. His daughters all followed his lead and graduated from UCDavis.
At the millennium, Grandchildren lit up his world, Michael, Jacob, Amber, Nathan and Emma sp. Ethan. Pumpkin growing, pumpkin harvesting and punkin carving dominated the fall season. Teaching them how to drive down Hillview Lane on his lap was a kick to see.
Will was not a man of many words, but when he spoke, his words held imagery and emotion. He was and will always be the connection that binds us. His legend and legacy precede us. Sweet dreams as your wings take you to up Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Aldea Family Services (Aldeainc.com).
Services will be held January 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Napa, 1333 Third Street, Napa, CA, 94559.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilmer Nord
Andrew Wieling Jr
December 29, 2023
Seeing his vineyard everyday reminds us of Will.
His twinkling eyes, his kindness will be forever on our minds.
Lucie Morton
January 12, 2023
Will Nord is someone I admired greatly in those early days of the Napa Valley "renaissance" when we were all full of so many questions. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and sharing of his experience in the face of my many curiosities back then. He was patient in trying to explain the complex world of soil nutrition which I still find challenging. At annual ASEV meetings, both he and Dick Peterson stood out as champion fathers of smart daughters too. Heidi, Nancy and Julie, I am sad for his passing and grateful to have known him.
Charlene Avery
January 12, 2023
Dear Nord Family, I worked with your loved one at DC and I would call him a gentle, kind soul. I am so sorry for your loss, but joyful that he had such a wonderful family. Prayers abound for you Joan.
Charlene Avery
Valerie & Cliff Hill
January 6, 2023
A gentle soul has earned his wings. Another star shines bright from the heavens above. Farewell Will, until we all meet again with a glass of wine in hand!
Joan & family, our deepest condolences. Cliff & Val Hill
Michaela Rodeno
January 6, 2023
It was a pleasure to serve with Will on Domaine Chandon's management team back in the 1980's. I learned so much. He referred a young vineyard manager just starting out named Peter Nissen to us in 1979, and that relationship continues today. So typical of Will, always ready to help, and good at it. He will be missed. Sincere codolences to Joan and famiy.
Andy Wieling
January 6, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Joan and the family.
Will was a very special person - generous heart we enjoyed knowing. Warmest regards Andy Angelika Wieling
Onna Hadley
January 4, 2023
It was an honor to coach Will in Rock Steady Boxing. He was always a joy to have in class....working hard with lots of laughs. He will be greatly missed.
Your Napa Rock Steady Boxing Crew will keep up the fight Will.
Susan Leport
January 4, 2023
My sincere condolences to Mr. Nord's family. He was the nicest man and I am sure you're going to miss him greatly. You are all in my thoughts.
Susan Leport
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