Norman W. Rich, 67, of Lewiston, died Monday, April 5, 2010, at Evergreen Hospice Center in Kirkland, Wash.
He was born in Salt Lake City on Feb. 17, 1943, to Ellis P. and Lillian Harkness Rich. When he was 11 years old they moved from Salt Lake City to Midvale, Utah, where he graduated from Jordan High School in 1961.
Norm served a mission to Scotland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before attending the University of Utah. He received a bachelor of arts degree in business management and finance in 1971. He also served in the Utah National Guard.
Norm married Claudia Welch in 1966 at Salt Lake City. They moved to Lewiston in 1971, where they raised three children, Kristalyn, Darrin and Rochelle Rich.
He was an agent for State Farm Insurance before working in advertising at the Lewiston Morning Tribune. He later managed Country Kitchen restaurants. He refereed high-school athletics as well as college basketball. He soon became a sought-after referee for women's Big Sky and PAC-10 basketball games and tournaments. In 1978, Norm was hired at Potlatch Corp. He was active in Local 608 Union and served for many years as their financial secretary. He retired as a machine tender in 2003. Upon retirement he served as a full-time grandpa.
Norm was a dedicated volunteer coach. He led various local youth teams and served on the Girls' Center board. He taught many kids, including all three of his children, about good sportsmanship and giving your best effort for your team and in life. He enjoyed playing sports and was the pitcher for his city league softball team. His biggest joys were his grandchildren. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and willingly gave service to friends and neighbors. He liked to travel, especially to the Oregon Coast or to visit family. Norm never met a stranger.
Norm is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Lillian Rich; his brothers, Donald Rich and Wayne Rich; and his sister-in-law, Audrey Rich.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Rich; his children, Kristalyn Rich Peterson, Darrin Peter Rich and Rochelle Rich Schultz; his childrens' spouses; his eight grandchildren; sister, Darlene Olson; and beloved nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the corner of 16th Street and Ripon Avenue. A brief graveside service at Normal Hill Cemetery will follow. Funeral arrangements are with Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston.
To sign the guest book and/or make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Norm, go to http://act.alz.org/goto/Norm-Rich.
