Norman Richard Wilson

Norman R. Wilson, 81, of Boise, Idaho, died of natural causes on April 19, 2018, at the home of his son, Scott Wilson, in Nampa, Idaho. Norman was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, on December 22, 1936, to Lloyd George Wilson and Ida Martin Wilson.

He graduated from Boise High School in 1955. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in The United States Navy, where he spent his enlistment on the U.S.S. Boxer, a CVS-21 Essex Class Aircraft Carrier stationed out of Long Beach, California, and Bremerton, Washington.

Norman and Goldalei Simmons eloped to Seattle, Washington, in July of 1962, during the Seattle World’s Fair, in his 1961 Studebaker Hawk. They were married on July 12, 1962.

Norman was employed by several local area mobile home manufacturing companies during the 60’s and 70’s, primarily at Fleetwood Homes of Idaho. Our Dad was an amazing craftsman. His meticulous workmanship on his Model T’s led to his employment at Boise State University, where he specialized in remodeling for well over 20 years.

Norman’s personality, humor and passion for cars resulted in him developing many lifelong friendships. Returning home from boot camp, Norm was in for a surprise. During his absence, his childhood friend, Ron Lewis, took it upon himself to paint Norm’s car “Pink.” Norm never would tell Ron what he thought, a topic of discussion for over 60 years.

Over the years, Norman has been actively involved with many area car clubs, including the Horseless Carriage Club of America and the Snake River Studebaker Driver’s Club.
Survivors include sister Carol Nye; sons Norman (Sandee) and Scott (Addie); grandchildren Brandy, Norman, Lonnie, Brendan, Kyle, Krista and James; and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd, mother Ida, stepfather Dick and wife Goldalei.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018, 5:00-7:00 p.m., at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St., Boise. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 23, 1:00 p.m., at Relyea Funeral Chapel, with viewing starting at 12 p.m. before the service. Graveside service, with military honors, will follow at Morris Hill Cemetery, with a gathering following at Sacred Heart Faith Hall, 811 S. Latah St., Boise.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Idaho Masonic Lodge #1 in Idaho City, c/o Idaho City Historic Fund, William K. Curtis Jr., 1179 N. Purple Sage Way, Eagle, Idaho 83616.