 This
is a tribute to a truly remarkable human being, Norman W. Mills.
Norm lived for his fellow man. His many good deeds
are remembered only by the recipients, as he did his good quietly,
never looking for prideful recognition. His life was a testament to
the good in life and how to make it better for others. His many good
works for his friends are too numerous to mention, but his friends
remember them. Norm always had a kind word and a smile for everyone
he met.
Norman W. Mills, 83 of Billings, passed away on
October 8, 2007. Norman was born in Lewiston, Utah, July 23, 1924.
His parents were Anna Woolston and George Mills. He was the eldest
of five surviving children, three brothers and one sister. He grew
up on a farm in the depression era, learning the meaning of hard
work and an honest day’s labor. His strong work ethic has served him
well his entire life.
Norm served his country in the Navy during World
War II, enlisting in 1942. He was selected to attend the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to work with a group of
pioneers on a top secret project, developing and implementing a new
form of ship-board radar, to be used in the land invasion of Japan.
Following the war, Norm entered the University of
Utah, to continue his technical training, earning a Bachelor’s
degree in Engineering in 1952. While in college he met and married
Lucille Ramer in 1948. He also worked to support his growing family.
He had the opportunity to assist in the design of the VA Hospital
complex in Salt Lake City. He worked for a factory making vacuum
tubes, the "high tech" industry of the time.
Following his graduation, Norm began his life
career as a professional consulting engineer, eventually
establishing his own company with clients located in the Western
United States and the Philippines. He designed and supervised
construction of telephone, power, and cable TV systems for his many
clients.
Over the years he established and operated his own
telephone systems in Montana and Colorado. He also owned a cable TV
system in Colstrip, Montana. He was a Member of the Board of the
Small Cable Business Association, Society of Cable Engineers and an
Emeritus Board Member of the American Cable Association.
He was elected to the Montana Legislature in 1993,
and served three terms. He never compromised his principles. He is
remembered for his strong support for school enrichment programs,
among the many legislative initiatives that he influenced during his
tenure. He served as Chairman of the Yellowstone Republican Central
Committee and continued to be active in community, state and
regional issues through his membership in Pachyderm, and his
participation in professional communications associations.
Norman and Lucille had four children, Gary,
Michael, Ronald, and Barbara, providing thirteen grandchildren and
three great-grandchildren as of the time of his death. Lucille and
Michael preceded him in death in 1994 and 1999, respectively.
Norm met Marcia Smedley while visiting the Joseph
Smith Birthplace in Vermont, and they married in 1995. They shared
his remaining years together, spending time in Vermont and in
Montana.
Throughout his life, Norm has been a devout member
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has served
his fellow members in many Branch, District, Ward, and Stake
capacities over the years. He served as a member of the Church
General Construction Board, and was instrumental in the proper
design of chapels in many locations.
Norman’s funeral will be at 11:00am, Saturday
October 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
Avenue D Chapel, 1711 Sixth St. W, in Billings. He has a special
interest in this building. He designed the decorative concrete work
and the heating system for this building before moving to Billings.
Burial will follow the service at Mountview Cemetery. Military
honors will be provided by the American Legion and The United States
Navy. The flag that will drape Norman’s casket is the very flag that
was draped over his fathers casket following his death in 1970.
Norman is survived by his wife, Marcia, and three
children Gary Mills of Portland, OR, Ronald (Carrie) Mills of
Rexburg, ID, and Barbara (Don) Charleson of Temecula, CA;
step-daughter, Marcia (Tom) Hartt of Merrimack, NH; grandchildren
Chris, Doug and Lizzie, Paul, Brent, Kimberly and Becca, and Sean,
Scott, and Ryan in addition to Michael’s children, Heather, Daren,
and David. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (serving a
mission for the LDS Church in Korea), and Joe and Glenn of Salt Lake
City, and his sister, Anna Mae Ward of Dayton, ID.
Memorials may be made to Help For Homeless Pets or
the Billings Animal Shelter.
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