Raymond Edward Norman

Raymond Edward Norman Sr., 99, of the Portland area died February 3, 2016. Ray was born September 14, 1916 on a ranch in Faith, South Dakota to Clarence and Nina Norman. He spent his early life growing up on a ranch and enjoying western life. He enjoyed telling stories of those early years with his parents and five siblings on the South Dakota Prairie. As a teenager during the 1930\u0027s he experienced the Great Depression, drought, the Dust Bowl and the Works Progress Administration. At an early age, he rode a freight train from South Dakota to Oregon. There he worked as a laborer on the haying crews and breaking horses on the Roaring Springs Ranch in the Steens Mountain area. In 1938 he graduated from Vale Union High School. Ray took pride in his Navy service during World War II. He served on the USS Saratoga, traveled to the South Pacific, and took part in the Battle of Guadalcanal. Ray had a successful career managing several water districts in the Portland Oregon area, and retired from the Clackamas Water District. In addition to working on ranches, his time in the military would form his core values: Strong work ethic, belief in education, honor of service, love of country, and the importance of family. He always saw the good in life, family, and friends. He was quick to say how lucky he was. Ray married Anne Bacigalupi on August 22, 1944. They were married sixty years. He felt that his most rewarding job was working with his wife Anne, to raise a great family. Ray\u0027s greatest gift was that he made each member of the family feel important and loved unconditionally. He and Anne were always present for family celebrations and milestones. They hosted many birthdays, graduations and weddings in their backyard. Ray paid special attention to the interests and events in each family member\u0027s life. He was truly proud of each and every accomplishment. His greatest joy came from his family. His gift to us was writing and printing a book of his life story. What a great journey and adventure he lived. He is survived by his sister Pearl Olson of Rapid City SD, five children including Virginia and Al Logosz of Boise ID, Elizabeth and Don McCarty of Milwaukie OR, Raymond and Susan Norman Jr., of Enterprise OR, Erle and Patty Norman, Portland OR and David and Beth Norman of Olympia WA. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 21great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. We are grateful for the endearing memories of Ray as beloved father, grandfather, and friend. We will forever treasure him in our hearts. Remembrances to Providence Portland Hospice. Funeral to be celebrated at Peake Funeral Chapel, February 18, 2016 at 12:00 noon, followed by a cemetery service at 2:00 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery. Arrangements by Peake Funeral Chapel, 1925 S. E. Scott Street, Milwaukie OR 97222. The phone number is 503-654-7755."",