Norman A. Van Brunt

Long-time resident of Olympia, Washington, Norman A. Van Brunt, age 90, died of natural causes at home on July 26, 2015. The following obituary was written by Norman when he was 83 years old: “I was born November 22, 1924 at Kelso to Dewey C. and Alice (Plaisted) Van Brunt. “I was graduated from Kelso High School in 1942 and from the University of Washington in 1946 where I participated prominently in student activities. I served in several editorial positions on “The Daily” and was editor of Columns Magazine. A member of Chi Psi Fraternity, I served as vice president of the Men’s Federation and as Chairman of the ASUW Scholarship Committee. “I was a graduate in Journalism and as a young man served on the staff of several state newspapers, drifting into real estate where I continued employment in many positions until my final retirement in 1997. I began work in real estate as a land title examiner with Washington Title Company and then went to the State Highway Department in right of way acquisition. “After early retirement from the Department in 1982, I worked an additional 17 years in various phases of land appraisal, acquisition and disposal. “I was a voracious reader with special interest in biography and history, especially Northwest history. My personal library included over 400 volumes of Indian and western material with emphasis on Northwest Tribes and Washingtonia, and this library was still growing at the time of my death. My family has included residents in the Old Oregon Territory since 1852 and sparked this interest. “I was a member of the Pioneer Association of Washington, the Washington Historical Society and a life member of the Kelso Elks lodge. I served six years on the Thurston County Board of Equalization and was a volunteer with the Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center. “I was progressive in my politics and a supporter of the Democratic Party. I was proud that my father, mother, brother, nephew, wife and I had been elected Democratic Precinct committeemen. “I am survived by my wife Delia Van Brunt, daughter Kathleen Lieb, son Robert Knickerbocker (Susan), three grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of Olympia; sister Marian L. Bohney of Bothell, brother Donald Van Brunt of Arizona, and numerous nieces and nephews. (I have a listing of nearly 400 blood relatives just in the State of Washington.) “At my request there will be no services. I suggest that any memorials be made to a college scholarship fund of your choice. My choice was the scholarship fund at the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies at the University of Washington.” The family’s hope’s is that he is slinging a beer with his old friend Dan. Please leave memories of Norman or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.