Norman White Jr.

Norm was born in Council, Idaho, on Feb. 10, 1955, to Norman Keith White Sr. and Afton Maebelle Logue White. Norm’s father was killed in a tragic logging accident just months before Norm was born. He was raised by his mother Afton in Council and they later moved to Lyle when Norm was eight years old. Idaho was always his first home but Lyle was his heart’s hometown.

Norm attended Lyle Schools and then went on to experience an adult life overflowing with friends, adventures, and memories. Norm loved and valued his family and was particularly close to his mother Afton. Norm built his home in the heart of Lyle and it could be seen as a bright beacon of blue lights around the Holidays.

He loved his community and was often called the Mayor of Lyle and (sometimes Sheriff) in jest. His brother Randall often joked in Norm’s later years that he should have put bars up in his cellar and turned it into the town jail. One of the things that weighed on his heart in his final weeks was the hope that the town of Lyle would continue to improve the community, and not just in appearance but the spirit of community and rallying together.

Norm loved traveling, particularly around Baja Mexico and Southern California. On a few of his trips to Mexico, Norm would bring brand new bicycles with him to give to some kids that he’d met on previous trips who had admired his “monster truck” and dune buggy. His heart was so big and he helped people and animals that no one else would, without ever wanting anything in return. He frequently drove to the city during the holidays to hand out necessities to homeless folks.

Norm loved his Harley Davidson and enjoyed taking long treks with it or just spending hours in his garage with friends, tinkering and socializing. He’s also well known for his red dune buggy which will be missed as a part of Lyle’s summertime scene. Norm’s dogs were very precious to him over the years, more like his kids than pets. Beginning with his old friend Yogi, he went on to treasure Michall, Frankie, Ronnie, and Miya dearly.

Building custom homes was not only Norm’s profession, it was also his hobby and passion. He was a pilot, scuba diver, skydiver, and loved windsurfing and kayaking (both river and sea). Mastering kiteboarding was on his list of things to do but he’d only just begun. Back in the day, he was part of the Klickitat County Search and Rescue team as a diver. He spent much of his life adventuring and trying out new things. You never found a bored Norm. There was nothing that he loved more than relaxing on a far-off beach with a Corona in his hand, friends, and dogs at his side.

Norm made a tremendous impact in his community, family, and friends. He will be profoundly missed. The memorial for Norm will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lyle Lions Club.

Norm is survived by his mother Afton M. Logue Fanger of Lyle, his paternal uncle Claus and wife Darline White of New Meadows, Idaho, maternal uncle Dave and wife Diane Logue of Lyle, Bud Logue of Murdock, brothers Kenneth K. White of Appleton, Randall D. and wife Mindy Robison of Lyle, his son Charles K. White of Vancouver, daughter Tara Henage of Odell, Ore., grandchildren Brandi Fletcher and Tanner Fletcher, nephew Joshua White, nieces Katrina and husband Nicholas Fitzsimmons, Amanda and husband Zach Siefring, Cassondra and husband Cody Beeks, Seaera White, many great-nephews and nieces, and many, many, many cousins and friends from all over the world that loved him dearly.

Norm was preceded in death by his father, Norman K. White Sr., paternal grandparents Knute and Maria White (came from Norway by boat), maternal grandparents Walter and Vava Logue, paternal uncles Kenny White, Bert White, and paternal aunts Ida White Loewen, and Nora White Deasey.