Norris Young, 80

      Norris Young passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, after losing a brief battle against cancer.
      He was born Oct. 2, 1932, in Klickitat, WA, to Starin J. and Irene E. (Crim) Young. As a child, his father was an itinerate lumberjack and moved his family frequently, so Norris grew up in Kamiah, Kooskia, Weippe and Grangeville. He graduated from Grangeville High School in 1949. He briefly attended Lewis-Clark State College until joining the U.S. Air Force in 1952.
      Norris married Lorraine Herzog of Ferdinand in 1953 in Biloxi, MS His military career in radar electronics took Norris and his family to England, Germany, a solo assignment in Korea, and finally to California. He retired from the Air Force at Vandenberg Air Force Base in 1978 and relocated to Moscow in 1979. He and Lorraine moved to Lewiston in 1991. After retirement, Norris obtained an industrial arts degree from the University of Idaho. He did odd jobs for the elderly and worked various jobs in construction and building maintenance.
      Norris had a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoyed trapshooting, hunting and camping. He also loved to work with his hands and could design and build almost anything. He was a cabinet maker, built and refurbished furniture and built and donated hundreds of wooden toys to various charitable organizations.
      He was a member of American Legion Post 13 and served as post and district commander. He was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10043, Disabled American Veterans, Lewiston Gun Club, Valley Woodworkers Guild, Boy Scout Council, and was chairman of both the Nez Perce County Veterans Council and the Nez Perce County Food Drive. One of his favorite activities was volunteering and manning the DAV "Coffee Break" trailer at milepost 148 on U.S. Highway 12. He loved talking with everyone who stopped and always had stories and jokes to share.
      Norris is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lorraine; son, Starin and wife Trina Young of Santa Maria, CA; daughter, Irene Everett and husband Florian Sowinski of Santa Maria; granddaughters, Chelsea, Tess and Linnea; two nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law, Frieda and Jewel Tackett.
      At Norris' request, no services will be held. Donations may be made in Norris' name to VFW Post 10043 in Lewiston or a charity of one's choice.
      Do not at my passing weep. I am not dead, I do not sleep. I ride the rays of the morning sun and roam the forest 'til the day is done. I sleep in the bower where the primrose blooms, and bask in the meadow that the wildflower grooms. I am the shimmering morning dew. A footprint on the snow that's new. I am the pungent pinon scent of a thousand campfires yet unspent. I follow the trail of the majestic stag to his bed beneath the mountain crag. I am the innumerable points of light that adorn the sky on a clear cold night. I live on in the heart and mind of each friend and loved one left behind. From the silver breaks to the lofty peaks, a restless spirit quietly seeks a breathing space in which to be unfettered for all eternity. Do not stand by my bier and cry. I am not dead, I did not die.





Transcribed by Michal Berreth Beck, 2014