Obituary: Whitford, Norman Elmer
Age 92
He graduated from Waterman High School in 1940 and attended Northern Illinois University, participating in concert band, pep band, and men’s chorus.
In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps and served as a Basic Flight Instructor in Greenville, Mississippi, flew in France and Germany in 1944.
After WWII, Norman moved to Otis Orchards, WA with his Army Air Corps friend, Marshall MacDonald.
He earned his college degree at Washington Teacher’s College (WSU), and married Jean Moser of State Line, Idaho.
They settled in Otis Orchards and raised five children.
Norman worked in the research lab at Kaiser Aluminum, and as an administrative assistant at the Regional Planning/Transportation Study in Spokane.
In retirement, Norman enjoyed working on his beautiful estate in Otis Orchards, where they hosted church picnics, youth groups, and family reunions.
He was active in local churches as a choir member, lay speaker, Sunday school teacher, and board member.
He loved baseball and basketball, playing on many church league teams and cheering for his favorite local college, semi-pro, and professional teams.
He was well-known at Otis Orchards Elementary School where he gave weekly history lectures.
His life was filled with love and compassion for all.
He will be remembered for his quick wit, his regular correspondence, and his accepting, positive attitude.
Norman is survived by his sons David (Karen) of Little Rock, AR, and Stephen (Laurie) of Spokane, WA; daughters Margaret Teman (Bill) of Sammamish, WA and Carol Hotrum (Barry) of Pocatello, ID; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean Moser Whitford and son John.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Norman’s name to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, Attn: Justin Peterson, 608 W 2nd, Suite 309, Spokane, WA 99201-4430.
Memorial service will be held at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon, March 7th, at Otis Orchards Elementary School.