Norman John Fosburg, age 89, passed away peacefully, in his home, surrounded by his family on Sept. 4, 2024. He was born Dec. 30, 1934 to Malcolm and Louise Fosburg in Aberdeen, Washington. He attended McDermoth Elementary, Miller Junior High, and graduated in 1953 from Weatherwax High School, where he was quarterback, and played trumpet in band. He was chosen as a member of the All-Northwest Band. He attended Grays Harbor College, Pacific Lutheran University and Western Washington State College.
Norman married his high school sweetheart, Bette Geiling. In October of this year, they would have celebrated their 72nd anniversary … and they said it wouldn’t last!
Norm and Bette settled in Hoquiam, where they raised their two children, Mike and Vicki. Norm was a welder at ITT Rayonier. He coached Babe Ruth and enjoyed throwing a ball with the neighborhood kids after work.
He was a lifetime member of the Aberdeen Elks Lodge 593. He served two terms as Exalted Ruler, was honored as Elk of the Decade in 1980-1990, and played trumpet in the Aberdeen Elks National Band. He and Bette traveled with the Elks Band to many national conventions throughout the country. Norm also played trumpet in the Grays Harbor Symphony and The Dukes of Swing and continued playing his trumpet until he was in his mid-eighties.
Norm and Bette loved to travel and enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, cruises, and road trips throughout the United States, including visiting Bette’s sister in Ohio.
They were Seahawks season ticket holders in the early Seahawk years and have remained fans, along with many family members.
Norm loved being with his family, especially playing with the grandkids.
Survivors include wife Bette; children, Michael (Ronda) Fosburg of Spokane, and Vicki (Brian) Grun of Hoquiam; sister Kathy Baker of Walla Walla; grandchildren, Christopher (Tamyra) Fosburg of Virginia, Renee’ (Vince) Pendergrass of Spokane, Eric (Mary) Fosburg of Spokane, Katie (Erik) Woods of Spokane, Charlie (Amber) Murchy of Spokane, Scott Murchy of Everett, and Jessica Grun of Hoquiam; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family, there will be no service. Donations can be made to Harbors Home Health and Hospice at 201 7th Street in Hoquiam, WA 98550.
“Go long Grandpa.”
