Norman Frank Hill

Norm Hill (“Stormin’ Norman” “Papa Norm”) went to be with Jesus face to face on the morning of August 21, 2021. Norman Frank Hill was born on August 6, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, to Frank and Madelyn Hill, both of whom pre-deceased him. Norm was also preceded in death by his wife, Sandy (Surbaugh) Hill, in February of 2019, and by his older brother, Dick Hill, in May of 2019. Norm is survived by his daughter Julie Risley (husband Kurt), son Troy Hill (wife Lillie), grandson Kyle Hill (wife Joey and great-grandson Charlie), step-grandson Jeremy Lara, step-granddaughter Arcardia Lara, sister-in-law Sally Hill, nephew TR Hill (wife Holly), nephew Mickey Hill (wife Tracey), nephew Jeff Hill (wife Dee), several great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends.

Frank and Madelyn moved from Los Angeles to Guerneville, California, in the mid-1940’s, where they managed a resort on the Russian River. Even as boys, Norm and Dick were an integral part of running the resort with Frank and Madelyn and making sure that summer visitors from the nearby cities enjoyed their vacations. It was in Guerneville that Norm learned the value of hard work and the ensuing fun to be had for jobs well done.

In approximately 1950, Frank and Madelyn moved the family to Portland, Oregon, where Norm attended South Powellhurst Grade School. Entering South Powellhurst as a seventh grader, it was not long before everyone knew who Norm was. And not only did Norm meet his future first wife, Sharon Walpole, at South Powellhurst, but he also met his future second wife, Sandy, at South Powellhurst. Norm made friends fast and showed leadership skills that were a part of him throughout his lifetime. He spent his Freshman year at Cleveland High School, while David Douglas High School was being built, and entered David Douglas High School as a Sophomore. Norm was Student Body President his Junior year at David Douglas, and he was a three-year letterman in football. Norm was in the first graduating class of David Douglas, and he loved being a David Douglas Scot! Norm continued in friendships with several of his high school classmates until the time of his death and was part of the David Douglas Historical Society for many years. In addition to being involved in various high school activities (sports, music, clubs), Norm worked for different grocery stores in east county while he was a high school student.

Norm served in the US Navy from 1957-1961, where he played trombone as a member of one of the Navy’s bands. He was commissioned to the USS Roosevelt, a Naval aircraft carrier, which traveled extensively in the Mediterranean, where Norm was able to visit several European countries and play his horn for US admirals and other dignitaries at various military and political events.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Norm moved his young family back to Portland, Oregon. He bought his first home in Southeast Portland, began studying for his college degree at Portland State University, and again worked at a grocery store to support his family. While working at the grocery store, Norm was approached by a sales manager for Purex Corporation about working for Purex. That was the beginning of a much loved and very successful career path for Norm as an outside salesman, and he never looked back! On May 1, 1972, through his good friend from high school, Mike Miller, Norm went to work for Columbia Corrugated Box, and he worked for the company until his retirement in December 2001. Norm loved working for CCB – his co-workers, his customers, and his corrugated (not cardboard!) boxes!

Once retired, Norm and Sandy enjoyed going south during the winter months to spend time with his brother and sister-in-law and other snowbird friends. Norm and Sandy eventually bought a home in Desert Hot Springs and were able to spend several winters there.

Norm loved music (all kinds!), and he was an accomplished musician. He played his trombone in brass ensembles for both his church in Portland (Gateway Church) and his church in Desert Hot Springs. Norm was also in the Willamette Falls Orchestra for several seasons and was a member for many years in Portland’s One More Time Around Again Marching Band. He and Sandy were able to travel with that band for various parades and celebrations across the Country, including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and they loved having those experiences as well as many other travel adventures.

Norm loved to laugh, and he really didn’t care if you were laughing with him or laughing at him; as long as you were laughing, he was happy! He was outrageous, gregarious, silly, and fun! Norm was a great story teller, and his stories will live on through his family and friends!

Norm considered himself very blessed to be married to Sandy; they loved to play together, and they fully enjoyed their retirement and time spent together until her death. The nicknames they gave each other sum them up perfectly and are actually on their shared tombstone at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery: “Earth Angel” for Sandy and “Rascal” for Norm (as if that needs explaining!)!

As much as Norm cherished the love and relationships he had with family and friends, his most important relationship was with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved reading his Bible from cover to cover, which he did several times per year, memorizing Scripture, worshipping, praying for others, talking to others about Jesus, and sharing with others the insights he received from God. He loved the Lord, and his greatest desire was for others to experience that same love! We will see you on the other side Norm!

Services Information:

September 1, 2021, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Viewing at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97086, (503) 405-4981

September 2, 2021, 1:00 p.m.: Graveside Service at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97086, (503) 405-4981

September 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m.: Memorial Service at Gateway Church Portland, 13300 NE San Rafael Street, Portland, Oregon 97230, (503) 252-1435