Norman Lester Kestle

Norman passed away peacefully at home in Shoreline, WA with beloved wife Carol at his side. Norman leaves behind Carol, Sister Margie (Mike), Sister-in-law Mary Ann, Brother-in-law Glen(Margie),Children Gary (Cheryl), Julie (Tim), and Jill, Stepchildren Kelsey and Scott (Matty), Grandchildren Justin (Danny), Kristin (Danny) Josh (Haley), Nicole, Riley ,Ben, Cole, and Great Grandson Jordan.

Born to Lester and Hazel (Digerness) Kestle in Seattle WA, Norm attended Seattle Public Schools and graduated from Ballard High School in 1950. He joined the Navy after graduating and served mostly on ships in Alaska and the South Pacific. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged and then joined the Seattle Fire Department from which he retired as a Battalion Chief.

Norm's greatest joy in life was time spent with friends and family. He was close to his siblings Don and Margie; and as close friends, they loved to share memories of childhood and reminisce about times spent together as adults, often traveling the world together. Norm was the family anchor, loving family reunions and keeping in touch with his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He always put others first, from a hospital visit, to an unexpected gift or help on a project. If it made your day better, it made his better also. Norman loved and cherished all his family and played a big part in the lives of his children and Grandchildren during good and difficult times, never passing judgment.

Norm was hard working and dependable, rising early every day ready to get things done. He was the neighborhood and family handy man. He loved to help, often jumping in because it needed to be done. His generosity had no limits. Imagine how nice to arrive home and find that he had painted a room (he loved to paint), worked in your yard, or took on whatever task would make your life easier. Your smile was the only reward he every asked for.

Norman followed in his father's career footsteps and joined the Seattle Fire Department, also becoming a Battalion Chief and serving for thirty-five years. He rose rapidly through the ranks and was one of the youngest Battalion Chiefs. He had the opportunity for further promotion but chose to spend his time on the line. He knew his calling--helping citizens and his coworkers battle and overcome life's tragedies and challenges. One of Norm's last big fires was the Ray's Boathouse and pier fire on Seattle's waterfront. He was the Incident Commander and received recognition in a National Fire Service publication. He discounted this in his humble way, chuckling that "Only big fires make the news, not good saves." Later during the Ray's Boathouse fire, his crew encouraged him to take a hose line and fight for old time's sake. He said he enjoyed it immensely and even melted the soles of his boots--dedicated and respected to the very end.

Norman loved fishing and enjoyed this for over fifty years. He was an expert and dedicated salmon fisherman. He caught many over thirty pounders and was always excited for the next outing. His favorite fishing was the annual trek to Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island with family and friends. Norm enjoyed this trip well into his eighties, still catching and cleaning his own fish, then hustling to camp to prepare the next meal (and every meal). His cooking skills were legendary, with every meal well planned and cooked to perfection.

Norman loved all sports. If crossword puzzles were a sport, he would have been a world champion! Baseball was his favorite. From the Rainier's to the Pilots to the Mariners, he attended games and watched every game he could. He attended countless games, activities, and performances of his kids and grandkids. He loved the Seahawks and enjoyed the thrills they provided in each game. He discussed their chances every day'; and even at life's end, he could not wait for the game to come on and found comfort with a football game playing quietly in the background.

No one enjoyed and knew more about American history than Norm. He was an avid reader; and from the Civil War to WWII there was not a book or show he had not seen. He traveled to all the Civil War battle fields and loved soaking in the history. Norm and Carol traveled extensively, and there was not much of the world they did not see. He did, in addition, enjoy countless local trips to Whidbey and Guemes Island which were shared with special friends.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don, newborn son Roger and stepson Rob. In keeping with Norm's giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, the Family wishes donation to be made in Norman's memory to a charity of your choice. Norman has been placed to rest at Acacia Memorial Park.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.