Richard “Dick”
Theodore Norlen, 87, Boise, passed away peacefully with family members on
August 29. A memorial service will be
held at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, 5400 W. Fairview Ave., Boise at 2:00
p.m. on Tuesday, September 8. Private interment
will be held later at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
Dick was
born in Riverside, Ca. on Nov. 6, 1927 to Florence and Lawrence Norlen. He was the oldest of two with his sister,
Margo. His family moved to San
Bernardino, Ca. where he spent the remainder of his childhood years. He graduated from San Bernardino High School
in 1945 and then served in the Navy until the war’s end. Later he attended San Bernardino Valley
College and studied civil engineering. During
this time he met his future wife, Margaret, who was working toward her teaching
degree from nearby University of Redlands.
They met at an event of the Cavoteers, a singles group affiliated with
First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino.
They were married on July 21, 1955 and had three sons, David, Paul and
Douglas. They resided for over 30 years
in Rialto, Ca.
For many
years Dick worked at the San Bernardino County Surveyor’s office. After retirement, he became a licensed real
estate professional, continuing to work in the San Bernardino area. He and Margaret fully retired in 1988 and
moved to Boise, where they have spent many happy years with beloved family
members, their hobbies, and volunteer activities. Antique auto restoration was his primary
hobby for the majority of his life.
Amateur (ham) radio was also a favorite pastime. Through these hobbies he and Margaret made
many wonderful longtime friendships in San Bernardino, Boise, and beyond.
Service was
a large part of Dick’s life, including activities with the Presbyterian Church,
Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, Idaho Society of Radio Amateurs, and
Boise Lodge No. 2 A.F. & A.M.
Dick’s
family and friends enjoyed his great sense of humor, loyalty, generosity,
kindness, and enjoyment of teaching and learning. He will be missed by all who knew him.
His family
includes his wife, Margaret; son David (Tracy) of Washington; sons Paul and
Douglas of California; sister Margo Simons of Boise; nephew Clay (Bud) Simons
III of Washington; niece Sue Wilson (Kurt) of Boise; niece Pam Rose (Irv) of
Boise; sister-in-law Betty Dale of California; nephew Alan McGuire-Dale (Peggy)
of Oregon; nephew Gary Dale (Leatrice) of Hawaii; nephew Andy Dale (Diana) of
Oregon; niece Teresa Price (Cliff) of California, and many great-nieces and
nephews.
The family
is grateful for the loving care of nurses and staff of Garden Plaza of Valley
View, Castle Rock Services, and Harrison’s Hope.
In lieu of
flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church, 1921 Wildwood
Street, Boise, ID 83713 or to the American Red Cross.