Stephan Greig “Pinky” Norell passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, after dealing with health issues for several years. He was 83.
Steve was born on April 10, 1940, in Nampa, Idaho. He grew up in Nampa graduating from Nampa High School in 1958. He attended the University of Idaho after high school, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1962.
Throughout his childhood, college, and as a Phi Kappa Tau, Steve was known as “Pinky,” and this continued with many life-long friends. Before graduating from college Steve married Blanche, his college sweetheart, who he met in first grade at Kenwood Grade School in Nampa. He was in the ROTC program at the University of Idaho and joined the Army after graduation serving at Fort Knox in Kentucky. After his discharge from the service, he returned to Idaho in 1965 to work in the lumber industry for Boise Cascade.
An opportunity with North Pacific Lumber relocated Steve, Blanche and their two young boys from Idaho to Milwaukie, Oregon in 1966. Their third son was born in 1967. In 1975, after several years as a lumber broker, Steve started his own lumber brokerage, Norell Forest Products. Steve and Blanche had three boys, Scott, Bob, and BJ. Steve’s boys, his passion for golf and coaching filled his days as well as following The Ohio State Buckeyes Gymnastics and Football teams. Steve loved to dance with Blanche through the years. He was never happier than when surrounded by family and friends. He was a great storyteller. He was a great brother, father, uncle, and friend to many. He had a big heart and kept everyone smiling and laughing that was in his presence.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Dor; and his brother, Dick. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Blanche; brother, Mike; sister, Susan; sons and their spouses, Scott and Lisa Norell, Bob and Sis Norell, and BJ and Kerri Norell; grandchildren, Alex, Mariah, Michael, Blake, and Karli; and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life for Steve will be 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023 at the Milwaukie Elks Lodge, 13121 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie, OR 97222. The family will be there to welcome friends and relatives to celebrate Steve’s legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Steve’s name to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513.
https://donate.v.org