Norman Theodore Estoos, Jr.
Norm Estoos was a man who was always there for his family and worked with dedication and kindness to be a positive part of his community.
Norman Theodore Estoos Jr. was peacefully ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior in the early morning of June 15, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. Months ago Norm put it best, his “ticker” was just slowing down.
He was born to Ted and Esther Estoos on Nov. 4, 1941, in Astoria, Ore. Norman was the oldest sibling and is survived by his sister, Susan Pretzer.
In the summer of 1951, Ted moved his wife Esther and children from Brownsmead, Ore., to a little one-street town called Moses Lake, Wash. While Ted drove a farm truck and trailer, Esther pulled a two-wheel trailer behind her 1939 Buick. It was the very same trailer that Norm and Michael used to make a dump run last week.
On Sept. 22, 1962, Norm married the love of his life, Sandra Kay McGee. In the years that followed, they were blessed with four children: Michelle, Michael, Eric and Shannon. Providing a home for his young family was at the top of Norm’s list. In the summer of 1979, Norman, alongside good friends and family, built the second level of their Mae Valley home. The family homestead has been a steady and happy place for all the grandkids and great-grandkids.
When Norman was 17 years old, he started working for Monte Holm at Moses Lake Iron and Metal. Being a scrap man became his life-long career and business. In the late 1970s, Norm bought Moses Lake Iron and Metal from Monte and retired in 2005.
Later that year, Norman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He lived the last 25 years of his life with Parkinson’s. His doctors were always encouraged by our dad’s positive outlook and “come what may” attitude. Parkinson’s slowed down our dad’s body but not his spirit. He just kept on moving, because there was still work to be done.
Norm and Sandee, along with many others in our community, started a Parkinson’s singing group called “Whispering Hope.” The group continues to meet weekly and has become family.
A few honorable mentions: Besides being a wonderful husband and dad, Norm was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troup 69 for many years. He enjoyed doing Scouts with his son, Michael. For as long as we can remember, our dad was a volunteer firefighter in Mae Valley for Grant County Fire District 5. As well as being a part of the early days of Moses Lake Irrigation District, Norm was a history buff for Washington State and also loved family history. Dad and Mom were always great about taking us back to the Oregon coast to visit family and play on the beach every summer. Our dad’s engineering brain was always clicking, he was incredibly resourceful. He helped each one of his children with a project or two. He was always the listening ear at 10 p.m. when you would call him to find a solution.
His most famous advice was, “Let’s sleep on it!”
Norman left a beautiful legacy of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He truly was a gift to all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
Norman is survived by his four children and their spouses: Michelle and Mike Wade, Michael & Makayla Estoos, Eric Estoos, and Shannon and Jay Herrin – 12 grandchildren and their spouses: Ethan & Shaylee Estoos, Kalahan and Sean Parkin, Micah and Christina Wade, Madison and Cameron LaCombe, Kennedy Estoos, Landon Estoos, Kylee Estoos, Kyler Herrin, Maisy Herrin, Jayce & Emily Herrin, Derek & Trella Mills Herrin, and Anthony Homer – 13 great-grandchildren: Corin, Declan, Dawson & Sonora Estoos, Ireland, Owen, Everly & Liam Parkin. Hezekiah & Charmaine Wade, Eleanor Herrin, Watson Herrin and Baby LaCombe due in December of 2024.
A service will be held Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 112 W. Ivy Ave., Moses Lake, with a reception to follow.
In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to Grant County Fire District 5 Volunteer Association (GCFD5 Volunteer Association) at Wheatland Bank.