Norman Ralph Blakney, 83

Norman Ralph Blakney, “Norm,” 83, of Dalton Gardens, passed away peacefully Feb. 19, 2022. He was born Sept. 25, 1938, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Leonard and Evelyn Blakney (Schneberger). He was the second of three children.

Norm grew up in Pinehurst, Idaho, and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1956. He met the love of his life, Patricia Listoe on a blind date, and their love story of more than 60 years began. They married May 28, 1960, in Kellogg. Shortly after they were married, Norm enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Texas, California and Alaska. Norm and Pat were blessed with three children and raised them in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.

Norm loved the mountains of North Idaho and was an avid outdoorsman. He learned to hunt and fish as a young boy and he shared his passion for the outdoors with his family and friends. He knew every drainage of the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and loved fishing the beautiful lakes of North Idaho. He was proud to serve on the Advisory Board of the Kootenai County Parks and Waterways for several years.

Norm’s family was the center of his universe. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Norm was a role model for his children and grandchildren; a constant presence in their lives. He never missed a sports game, birthday or family event. Norm was very proud of his family and regularly shared “I’m proud of you,” “keep up the good work” and “I love you.”

Norm was a hard worker, no matter the task. He spent the majority of his career as a salesman at Doyle’s Wholesale. Extending beyond his career, he also showed his family what it meant to work hard; whether that was through the huge garden he planted at his family’s home, his Christmas tree farm, or heading to the woods to cut firewood. Norm and Pat loved sunny days relaxing on their patio, going camping at Priest Lake and up the Coeur d’Alene River; listening to music, playing cards with family, and “snow birding” in Arizona.

Norman will be remembered for being a kind man, a true friend and he always believed in the goodness of others. He loved to laugh and share a good joke. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He leaves behind his children, Brenda Haener (Joe) of Moscow, Debbie Kerr (Allyn) of Coeur d’Alene and Doug Blakney of Boise; his grandchildren, Justin Kerr (Laurel) of Coeur d’Alene and Jenny Beitz (Andy) of Pullman; his great-grandchildren, Brantley Kerr and Tanner Beitz; his siblings, Betty Micknak (Don) of Missoula and Fred Blakney (Karon) of Kingston; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and his parents.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St., Coeur d’Alene, followed by a military honors ceremony at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life for Norman and Patricia will follow at the Heatherstone clubhouse in Hayden.

Memorial donations can be made in Norm’s name to “Newby Ginnings” — Veteran’s assistance and support, 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A, Post Falls, ID 83854.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Norm’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.