Alfred Freeman Norwood

Alfred Norwood, 100 years old, passed away quietly in his sleep on May 31, 2014 in Olympia, WA. The cause of death was complications from Parkinson's disease and pneumonia.

Mr. Norwood was born in Davenport, Iowa, on January 23, 1914, and grew up in Stronghurst, IL and Chicago. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1934. During World War II, he saw action in the Atlantic, serving on the U.S.S. Wasp, and in the Pacific, where he served on mine sweepers and destroyer escorts. During the war, he was awarded the rank of limited duty officer, which rank he retained after the war ended. His submarine positioning device for tracking enemy submarines was adopted by the Navy; the original device is held by the Smithsonian Institute. His service included tours as commanding officer of the U.S.S. PC 1145, the U.S.S. Rolf (DE 262), and the U.S.S. Falgout (DER 324). He retired from the Navy in 1958 as a Lieutenant Commander.

After his retirement, Mr. Norwood graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Electrical and Industrial Engineering. He was a licensed professional engineer and a member of Tau Beta Pi.

Mr. Norwood worked for the Boeing Airplane Company from 1961 until his retirement in 1982. In 1968, he became the Chief, Electronics Technology, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group; he was then Chief, Air Traffic Control and Electronics Research. In 1978 until his retirement, his position was Manager, Systems Technology, Preliminary Design Programs and Research Systems.

Research under Mr. Norwood's direction included digital communications and navigation systems and advanced displays now basic on new high technology airplanes. He was presented the Volare Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in the Category of Airframe Avionics by the Airline Avionics Institute in Brussels, Belgium, on November 3, 1982. This award indicates the individual demonstrated leadership in the avionics field and developed a product, system, or device that made a major change in aviation. Their insight and understanding of the industry makes them recognized by the international commercial airline industry.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen and by their son, Michael. He is survived by his loving daughters, Karla Cardwell (Jim) of Orlando, Florida; Amy Stay (Ed) of Shoreline; and, Deborah Norwood of Montclair, Virginia; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His family is especially grateful for the wonderful care Mr. Norwood received at St. Peter Hospital and for his compassionate and dedicated caregiver, Neal Darrow.