Norm C. Simpson, 80

Norm C. Simpson, 80, of Bigfork, peacefully passed away in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Norm grew up the second of four rambunctious boys in Boise, Idaho. His early years were filled with duck hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, big game hunting, and a deep love of the outdoors.

He worked for the Forest Service for several years. He started on their trail crew and eventually became a smoke jumper stationed out of Missoula and then West Yellowstone.  

Norm 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 received an injury that earned him the Purple Heart. Although his time in Vietnam was done, he continued his military service for nine more years. And even though he retired from the military many years ago, Norm was active in his local DAV chapter until the very end.

Norm and his wife, Marlynn, have been married for 57 years. They raised two children, Brad and Shawnell, who together have given them nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren… so far.

They have called the Flathead Valley their home for 42 years. But they also have had a bit of wanderlust. They spent twelve years traveling the United States and Mexico in an RV and one year on a service mission for their church in Sharon, Vermont.

Norm has always enjoyed staying busy and working with his hands. His well-equipped workshop was his happy place. His crowning achievement was to make a special piece of furniture for each of his grandchildren. He also loved any opportunity to help the grandchildren make their own creations under his watchful eye.

Norm was always looking for opportunities to serve those around him. Whether he was serving those within his church, a neighbor in need, or a total stranger, if Norm saw someone that needed help, he was there to help in any way that he could.

A service will be held at the Bigfork Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday, April 18, at 11 a.m., with a viewing at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Bigfork Community Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating blood at your local blood bank. Regular blood donations kept Norm’s blood cancer at bay and made his last few years more meaningful. Now is our opportunity to return the favor.