Norman James Stark

With joy through our tears, we say farewell to a really good man. Norman was born September 5, 1928 to Evans James and Ruth Parramore Stark in Salt Lake City. He was striving hard to live to his 90th birthday, but came up a bit short and passed away on July 26, 2018. Norman will be remembered as a kind, gentle, hardworking and unassuming man who lived an honorable life. He will be greatly missed by all who know him. Norman was born 2 years before the beginning of the great depression and is a part of the strong, self-reliant, resourceful, independent, "greatest generation". Born and raised in Salt Lake City, he was supervised by his Grandmother Parramore while his parents worked hard to try and save the Parramore family home. As a young child, Norman was unaware of how hard working and poor the family was. He was loved and that was all he needed. His father, Bud, was resourceful and fashioned toys with his own hands for his only son. Camping, fishing, body building, building garages together, and fixit projects of all kinds provided for a special and close relationship for father and son who respected and loved each other. When Norm was 7 years old, a sister, Doris, was born. She only lived 4 months when chicken pox took her life. After foreclosure in 1938, the family moved to California to live with family and find work. Norman loved the beach, so much so that it would frequently over-ride his desire to be in school. His mother spent as much time trying to keep Norm in school as he did being in school. He loved to roller skate and was good at it. He competed on a teach that challenged teams from other rinks in the Los Angeles area. Norman had a kind and loving mother, who spoiled him and sacrificed much for her son, often giving up her own comfort. He adored his mom and he took care of her throughout her life. Norman's only brother, Leon, was born in California when Norm was 14. They didn't have much in common due to the distance in ages, but Norman was a good big brother throughout their lives. At the end of Norm's 11th grade year, the family moved back to Utah to work with his Uncle Olie in his septic tank business. Norman was strong and physically active throughout his life. He learned to box in California and took to body building after returning to Utah. While working in freight delivery for Sears & Roebuck, he could double stack washers, dryers and couches all by himself. He competed in the Mr. Utah and Mr. Rocky Mountain body building contests. Norm still worked out at the West Valley fitness center until he was 86 years old. After returning to Utah, he ran with his cousin and a big group of kids. When a young shapely, dark haired beauty caught his eye, no one was going to stop his pursuit of her, not even her boyfriend. It took Norman a long time to convince Catherine Rice that HE was the guy for HER, but when he did, he changed the course of his life for her love. After a 2 year courtship, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Everything he did for the rest of his life, was to please her and love her. They worked side by side in all of the challenges that came into their life. They owned and operated the American Oil Service station on the corner of 2700 West and 3500 South in Granger, and Kate fully supported Norm in various church callings including Bishop of the Granger 7th Ward. After Norman worked for Rick Warner Ford for several years, he retired and they spent wonderful retirement years traveling with friends and "snowbirding" in Arizona. They were always supportive and involved in the lives of their family. Since Kate's death in 2011, Norm always yearned to be by her side. Those days of yearning are now over; Norman returns to his place by the side of his queen. Norman is an exceptional man. Mostly quiet and non-complaining, his positive attitude was especially noble during the past couple years as his health failed. He is strong in body, mind and spirit. He loves the Lord, the Gospel, all his family and friends. His example and influence will leave a lasting legacy for those he so very much cared for. He is survived by his children, Pamela Halford (Stephen ), Alan (Trudi) and Kevin (Heather); along with the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Catherine Rice Stark; an infant son, Brent; his parents; a baby sister, Doris; and brother, Leon. Thank you Jordan and Jerley and OneCare Hospice service. We will celebrate his life with a memorial service August 2, 2018, 12:00 noon, with a visitation from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the LDS Hillsdale Park Chapel on 3274 Hillsdale Drive. Friends and family may also visit August 1, between 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, Utah