Norman Destin Hoxie, of Anacortes, age 80, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 1.

He was born at home in Blossvale, N.Y., in 1934 to Lynn Irving Hoxie and Florence Irene (Dell) Hoxie.

Norm grew up in a rural area near Oneida Lake, northeast of Syracuse.

The youngest of five children, he graduated from Camden High School in 1952 as senior class president and a member of the football team.

Norm served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1954-1957, including two years in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant and retired from the Army Reserves in 1962.

Norm met Nancy Weiler in 1960 when he moved in next door to her parents and family in Fremont, Calif. Norman was a shy suitor, but soon after meeting Nancy declared “he is the man I’m going to marry.” Apparently, her persistence won over the shy suitor, and they became engaged in 1962. They were married on October 21, 1962 in Fremont, and were blessed with a daughter, Patricia, in 1963 and a son, Robert, in 1965.

In 1972, the family moved from Fremont to Fidalgo Island to pursue life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

He worked for more than 40 years as a heavy equipment operator in the construction industries in California and Washington. Norm retired from Krieg Construction in Oak Harbor in 1997. He enjoyed the independence, solitude, and creativity involved in his craft.

Norm and Nancy enjoyed many years of R.V. travel during retirement, including multiple trips across the United States.

He was an avid sports fan over the years, from Little League baseball and high school sports, to professional teams including the Mariners and Seahawks.

He is survived by his spouse, Nancy Hoxie; daughter, Patricia (Howard) Williams of Bellingham; son, Robert (Tina) Hoxie; and grandson, Jacob Hoxie of Anacortes. Family members include Tina’s parents, Wayne and Bunny Winsauer of Bellingham; brother-in-law, Stan Weiler of Sedro Woolley; sister-in- law, Joan Hoxie; and niece, Cynthia Hoxie of Sunol, Calif., with extended family in Washington, Nebraska and California.

The family expresses its gratitude to Dr. Robert Rieger and Alicia Montour of Island Family Physicians, the ICU staff at Island Hospital and Hospice of the Northwest for taking care of our “Buppa.” His gentle but strong presence will be greatly missed.

Private interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Anacortes Public Library Foundation, Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center, and Hospice of the Northwest. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Norman, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com