Norman Rowe Harrison

Norman Harrison passed away peacefully at the age of 99-1/2 with his daughter by his side. Norman was born 10/21/1925 and joined his heavenly wife, Italia, his war bride from Naples, Italy, on 4/25/2025. He is survived by three children, Ken Harrison, Gino Harrison (Ona) , and Cindy Clark (Michael), seven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Norman served in World War II from 1944-1947 in special services. He was highly trained in linguistics. After the war, returning to Prospect, Oregon, Norman became a logger for several years—a profession he loved more than any other. He often spoke of his logging days with great fondness and wished he could have logged forever. Later, he explored various ventures, owning a concrete business, a pesticide business, and even trying his hand at selling driftwood. He eventually settled in Salem, Oregon, as a real estate developer after starting a business with his two sons.

In his free time, Norman loved working in his garden, rebuilding old horse wagons, crafting with horseshoes, fishing, and big-game hunting. He and his wife traveled the world seeking new adventures and meeting new people. At the age of 93, he traveled to Africa for big-game hunting. Norman also enjoyed cowboy action shooting, which he did regularly with his grandson and daughter for many years.

He loved telling stories, which will be missed by his family and friends. Norman was a master storyteller, known for his exuberance and animated delivery. His tales—always colorful—were drawn from a life rich with experience and adventure.

A visitation for Norman will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service-605 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. He will have a private service and entombment to follow.