Norm C. “Norm” Simpson (Missoula ’66)
Posted: February 24, 2026
Norm passed away April 6, 2025, at age 80. He grew up the second of four rambunctious boys in Boise, his early years filled with duck-hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
He worked for the USFS for several years. He started on a trail crew and eventually became a smokejumper at Missoula (1966) and West Yellowstone (1967).
He joined the Idaho National Guard. When his unit was activated in 1968, Norm was accepted into flight school, where he became a helicopter pilot. During his short time in Vietnam, Norm sustained an injury that earned him the Purple Heart. After his time in Vietnam, he continued his military service for nine more years. Norm remained active in his local Disabled American Veterans chapter until the very end.
Norm and his wife, Marlynn, were married 57 years. They raised two children, Brad and Shawnell, and called the Flathead Valley home for 42 years. They especially enjoyed travel, spending 12 years exploring the US and Mexico in an RV. For one of those years, they lived in Sharon, VT, on a service mission for their church.
Norm enjoyed time in his workshop and crafted a special piece of furniture for each of his nine grandchildren. He also loved any opportunity to help his grandkids make their own creations.
Norm was always at the side of anyone he saw who needed help, be it a neighbor, a church member, or a total stranger.
Regular blood infusions helped keep Norm’s cancer at bay. His family hopes his friends will consider giving blood regularly as a way of honoring him and his service.
