Norman L. Branch

In the realm of the city streets of Portland, Oregon, rose a young king, Norman Lynn Branch born on July 29th, 1955, into the arms of his beautiful mother Margaret Branch and father, Roy Branch Sr. Within the Branch family legacy, Norman was the 6th of 8 children raised on Garfield Avenue aka "G Block."

From the roots of the monkey tree, a legend was born. Norman's radiant leadership skills, business mind set, and take-charge mentality quickly raised him up the ranks of earning the name and the likes of a Five Star General, Icon and a Chief as some would call him. But, to his children, he was just known as "Daddy."

As a youngster, Norman, aka "Fat Head" was a powerhouse hustler by trade whom at a young age discovered the sweet taste of independence early on, unleashing his inner entrepreneurship, paving the way for his own empire. His aura screamed confidence, showing off his determination and natural charisma. At just nine, he pocketed his first dollar fixing bikes, then graduated to selling candy for "Big Bobby Joe" while cruising on his own two wells starting the bike club, The Grand Street Gang, along with his partner in crime and best friend, David Johnson. Later as a young man, he worked at the local shipyard and later explored construction, then using his skillset and drive to live up to his dreams of interior design with his historical family home on Garfield Ave.

Norman Lynn and that sting ray bike of his had a way with the ladies and at the tender age of 12, met his first love Terry Lynn giving her a ride on the back of his bike. They later married June 10, 1977, and began his legacy creating three children from this union, Manson, Chanika and Rolanda. In 1982, Norman met and fell in love with the beautiful Sylvia Gray, and from them was born La Que, Tybree, and Sybresha followed by the fourth and unborn Baby Timothy Branch. Over the years, Norman was blessed with two handsome sons to follow his lineage, De'Angelo and Baby Kayden and a beautiful vibrant daughter, LaSean Branch with a million-dollar smile.

Norman was a balanced mix of fun and seriousness, switching gears between being a jokester and having deep talks with his loved ones like a pro. He believed in tough love to teach life lessons, speaking his mind boldly to make sure his message hit home. No beating around the bush, he preferred raw truth over sweet lies. And when things got awkward, he skipped the sorry's and handed out cash instead, urging folks to splurge on themselves and/or their kids. Often being pushed to the limit, Norman lived up to the spirit of a lion named "Leo." When he roared, he led with an iron fist and the tongue of a double-edged sword, schooling you with wisdom and lacing you with game, leaving you thinking to never make the same mistake again.

The self-made entrepreneur placed great emphasis on family, a value that echoed strongly with individuals both close and distant, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to his loved ones. Norman, as a father, was adored and respected for instilling values in his children that he knew would guide them through life. He was a man of hidden wisdom and had a straightforward approach.

Norman beamed with pride turning his childhood home on Northeast Garfield into a sparkling gem, all thanks to his father, Roy Branch Sr., who built the foundation of this home and carried the family on his back. Norman continued his father's legacy fueled by love for his family, the community, and his roots, he gave it his all to ensure his legacy sparkled forever. Norman's hard work, eclectic style for artwork, and love for antiques showed in his architectural redesign of their family home. In his leisure time, one of his greatest joys came from fishing with his friends. Norman cherished casting his fishing line and engaging in the laid-back chats with his close friends, affectionately referred to as the "Dream Team."

Through Norman's giving heart he inspired everyone whose lives he touched to "stand on respect". Although this chapter of this titan's life has closed, his legacy shall reign eternally in the hearts of those who cherished him most.

Norman is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Branch and his father, Roy Branch Sr., and sons, Manson Branch and Baby Timothy Branch; grandmothers, Rebeca Branch and Ms. Lillian; grandfathers, Charlie Branch and Cousin Charlie; brother, Roy Branch; and sisters, Gayle Branch and Wendelin Branch.

Norman Lynn leaves to cherish his precious memory: children, Chanika Branch, Rolanda Washington-Branch, LaQue Branch-Lewis (Patrick), Sbresha Branch-Pridgen (Robert), Tybree Branch, De'Angelo Brown-Branch, Rueben Mitchell, LaSean Branch, Celeste Bolden and Kayden Warrick; siblings, Phyllis Branch, Elaine Branch, Sanford Branch, Fabian Branch, and Marilyn Monroe, and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.