Norm Bisbee

Norm Lee Bisbee was born on July 19th, 1938, at the family home in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He passed away with “the best family” by his side on November 30th at the age of 87.

Norm was the youngest of the Smith/Bisbee family which consisted of his brothers Lee Smith, Glen Smith, Albert Bisbee, Robert Bisbee, Dick Bisbee, Vaden Bisbee, and his sisters Louise Wittam, Juanita Stevens, and Judy Long. 

Norm attended school in Lapwai and in Kooskia Idaho where he graduated.   He started a family early and had of 3 boys Paul Minthorn, Fred Minthorn and Randy Minthorn.  Norm met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Henry and they soon married on August 19th, 1958, in downtown Lapwai.  In the summer of 1963, the family moved near Denver Colorado where they lived in a logging camp and Norm worked as a truck driver hauling logs in the mountains. Norm and Shirley moved back to the Sweetwater homestead on Webb Road in 1964 where he raised his family of 4 kids, Ponch, Terry, Mike and Brett. During this time, he worked hard as an equipment operator, farmer and a carpenter on dams all the way from Pasco to Dworshak. He later served many years and retired from the Nez Perce County Road Department. The Bisbee kids have many fond memories of the big tree house their dad built, and the summer fireworks stand, Crazy Charlie’s. Norm was the first coach of the Baby Wildcat football team and his kids and many of their friends were coached in football and little league baseball by Norm.  Norm enjoyed being with his family. He worked hard to provide for them at a time when money was scarce, but his family was well provided for and had lots of love. 

Norm was a lifelong learner. He found time during his busy work life to take classes at LCSC. He loved the outdoors and until he couldn’t, he loved fishing in his boat on the river or hiking into mountain lakes or bowling with his friends. He enjoyed spending time with his great-grandkids taking them bowling, walking to the duck pond to feed the ducks, or seeking treasurers in geo-cache. He taught himself photography and mastered wood carving later in life. At a young age he was taught the Nez Perce language by Nez Perce elders.  He loved to read books such as Louis L’Amour Westerns and was a knowledgeable historian and storyteller. 

Norm is survived by his children Lonnie Bisbee Sr (Yolanda), Terry Spencer (Shawn), Michael Bisbee Sr. (Mary) and Brett Bisbee all of Lapwai and Fred and Randy Minthorn of Pendleton, Oregon. Norm was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. 

Norm was preceded in death by his parents Hazel and Sydney Bisbee, Sisters Juanita, Louise, and Judy and brothers, Lee, Glen, Albert, Bob, Dick, Vaden and his son Paul (Bucky) Minthorn and great grandchildren Michael Anthony Bisbee III, Tyone Christel Bear, Alaia Powaukee-Bisbee and U’ilani Jamias .

Upon Norm’s wishes he will be cremated and will not have any funeral services. The family will privately celebrate is long and memorable life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Norm’s favorite charity:  Salvation Army Lewiston Thrift Store and Donation Center, 1806 21st Street, Lewiston, Idaho.