Norman Jerome Josephson was born to Harry and Nora Bjorndal Josephson in Coupeville. He was raised on his parents’ dairy farm in Freeland. He graduated from Langley High School in 1961 and received a teaching degree from Seattle Pacific University and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Seattle University in 1973.

Norm began his 32-year career in education in the Shoreline School District. He came to Olympia in 1971 to teach sixth grade at Pioneer Elementary. In 1973 he was selected as principal for L.P. Brown Elementary, and in 1983 moved to Washington Middle School, where he served as principal until retiring in 1998. After retiring, Norm continued to work on his garden and blueberry farm. He filled in as acting vice principal in the Clover Park School District for several months in 1999.

He began work at the Senate in January of 2000, where he was best known in his role as bill reader during legislative sessions. In the past couple of years, he also worked at Ralph’s Thriftway, where he enjoyed contacts with many former students and friends.

Norm is survived by his bride of 25 years, Janet (Boston); daughters, Roberta (David) Hamilton and Chris (Dave) Fox, of Tumwater, and Terea (Mike) Fowler, of Oregon City, Oregon; five grandchildren, Karleigh, Zachary, Sarah, Tanner, and Camden; parents, Harry and Nora Josephson, of Freeland; brother, Dale (Melissa) Josephson, of Las Vegas, Nev.; sisters, Noreen (Jim) Forck, of Brier, Roxann (Rich) Cannistra, of Janesville, Wisc., and Joan Josephson, of Bellingham; and the mother of his daughters by a previous marriage, Donna Radtke, of Tumwater.

Norm was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle and friend. His loss to all of us is immense. He was a tireless worker who was known for thinking of and doing things to help others. He was an unselfish giver of his many talents. He never did anything halfway! Norm was an avid gardener and a lifelong learner. His endless projects for landscaping his home and gardens were almost an obsession. He amassed a considerable library in his endless research, and we benefited from the knowledge and skills he shared with anyone willing to listen. Blueberry lovers made annual pilgrimages to Norm and Jan’s farm to visit and pick “little orbs of health.” We can’t imagine our lives without him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at Pioneer School in Olympia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association.