Norm Sather passed away peacefully at home, with loved ones by his side in the evening of June fifth. He endured many years of Parkinson’s and spine diseases with courage, grace, and optimism.
Norm was born to Arnold Joel Sather and Myrtle Mary (Luck) Sather on July 12, 1948 in Port Townsend, Washington. Norm graduated from Port Townsend High School in 1966 where he was Senior Class President. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Howland Sather, in 1967. They moved to Pullman where he graduated from Washington State University in 1971 with a BA in Business Management-Marketing. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.
Norm got his start in the petroleum industry by working at Harper’s Service Station while in high school. After earning his degree from WSU, he worked for Shell Oil Company in Oregon for 5 years as a Territory Manager. He worked for Pacific Northern Oil in Seattle, WA for 7 years as their Marketing Vice President.
Norm was a longtime independent petroleum marketer in Washington state. He was a respected leader of various national and regional petroleum associations, including WPMA, WOMA, and PMAA. Norm served as President of WPMA in 1994-95 and was inducted into the WOMA Hall of Fame for his contributions. His career took his family to various locations, Portland and Eugene in Oregon, Bremerton, Mercer Island, and Lakewood in Washington.
Norm and his wife came full-circle and moved back to Port Townsend in 2015 at the end of his career to be near family and friends and focus on his health. Golf was his passion and he played all over the world. The Sathers built a home on American Lake in Lakewood at Tacoma Country & Golf Club. Norm also loved fishing for salmon in Alaska, snow skiing, travel, boating, music, parties, and dancing.
Norm loved the company of his family, especially his sons, grandsons and brothers. Norm was blessed with many friends, flung far and wide. He donated the proceeds from his annual golf tournaments to Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, a very special organization in his family’s lives.
Norm is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Linda (Howland) Sather; sons Craig of Tacoma, WA, Chris (Blythe Duke); grandsons Noah and Dane of Normandy Park, WA; brothers Dave (Jeannie) and Arne (Michele) and various nephews and nieces in Port Townsend; stepmother Rachael Sather and her children.
Norm was full of life and fun with a big smile and a kind heart. His positive attitude and perseverance during his many years of failing health were admired by all. He will be missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 23, 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St., Port Townsend, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations to the following organizations are suggested: Port Townsend Elks Scholarship Association, 555 Otto St., Port Townsend, WA 98368; Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, 9330 59th Ave. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499.
