Norman Binning Ferrier passed away at Whidbey General Hospital on Sept. 3, 2010, at the age of 88. He was born on Jan. 16, 1922, in West Philadelphia, Pa., to Rhea (Marie) Binning Ferrier and Thomas Thompson Ferrier Sr. Upon graduation from Ridley Township High School in 1940, Norman began work for the Pennsylvania Railroad. On Oct. 12, 1942, Norman married his high school sweetheart Emma Jane Burbank Ferrier in Woodlyn, Penn. In 1942 Norman joined the US Navy. He served on the USS Chicago (Mad Dog), which was sunk by the Japanese Jan. 30, 1943 during the Battle of Rennell Island. He continued to serve in the US Navy through the Korean and Vietnam wars and served on the USS Massachusetts, USS McCormick and USS Ranger until his retirement in 1963. Upon retirement he began work for the Civil Service as a firefighter until his second retirement in 1978.

During his life Norman enjoyed gardening, cooking, American history and traveling. He was Post Commander and chaplan in the Oak Harbor branch of the American Legion Post 129 and was a member of the Elks Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife Emma Jane Burbank Ferrier, infant daughter Rebecca Marie and son Norman S. Ferrier. He is survived by his two daughters, Ellen Vrbas of Oak Harbor and Margaret Miller of Olathe, Kan.; and seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10, 2010, at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Legion Post 129 scholarship programs