Norin Frederick Walstead

April 24, 1944 - June 17, 2019
Norin Frederick Walstead passed away early Monday morning, June 17, 2019. His son and daughter-in-law, Olen and Elizabeth Walstead were at his side. His passing was due to complications from cancer.
Norin was born and raised in Portland. He attended Sunset High School and was in the first graduating class. In 1962 Norin joined the Air Force and was stationed in El Paso, Texas where he became a jet engine mechanic in a SAC unit. After leaving the Air Force, Norin spent some time in Hartford, Conn., building experimental jet engines. Although the West Coast did not have a jet engine manufacturer and he would be forced to switch careers, after six years, Norin moved back to the West Coast.
After "bumming around" he ended up a supervisor for Frito-Lay. This is where he met his former wife, Linda Towns (p.k.a. Patrick) They were married in Reno, Nev., and had two sons, Ty Walstead and Olen Walstead, they settled down as a family in Troutdale, Ore. Norin finished his career as a commercial contractor in 2009. Norin's real passion in life, or he would say "dessert in life" was the time he spent working on and racing sprint cars on the weekends. "Racing was a fun part of my life, it was a good thing. You never really took any of it too seriously, it was just fun. It was a hobby, but it was something I'll always remember. The friendships you develop in those times and experiences. It was the fun part of life, it was an exciting way to live, I guess we are all just kids at heart."
Norin touched many lives and will be greatly missed by friends and family alike. A military service will be held at Willamette National, TBD – All are welcome!
Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

Published in The Oregonian from June 28 to June 30, 2019