Norman Carol Cooley

Long time Siskiyou County resident, Norman Carol Cooley, passed away at home on November 11, 2023, surrounded by his family. Norm was born on May 2, 1928, in Richmond, California to Charles and Irma (Scanlon) Cooley. The few months that he lived in the Bay Area, while his father was attending college, was the only time that he lived outside of Siskiyou County, except for his military service. He attended Yreka Schools and graduated from Yreka High School in 1946. During his school years, he worked summers for his uncle Arthur Cooley and uncle George Fiock on their ranches. He enjoyed playing football in high school and was good at it. After graduation, he went to San Jose State to play football. Following college, Norm worked for his cousin, Stan Cooley, farming and operating heavy equipment. In 1950, Norm was drafted into the Army, and was a heavy equipment mechanic at the Engineer School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. After he was honorably discharged in 1952, he purchased his first Caterpillar D-6 bulldozer. For the next 40 years, he operated his earth moving, logging and land clearing business. He met Pat Dall at a bank Christmas party and they were married on May 2,1959. They were married for 64 years. Norm supported his family, which allowed Pat to be a stay-at-home mom. They had a large family reunion/4th of July party that family and friends looked forward to every year for 50 years. An illness caused Norm to sell his equipment and retire. He recovered, and operated equipment for other people, including Felsher Land Clearing, Frontier Construction, and his long time friend, Eddie Conner. When he actually retired, he never stopped working on something. He always stayed busy, raking leaves, cutting weeds, keeping the watering trough full for the wildlife he enjoyed, splitting and stacking firewood, or working on his house or vehicles. He re-roofed his house when he was in his 80's! Whenever his family needed anything, he was always there to help. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his infant son, Robert, and his wife, Pat, in October of this year. He leaves his son Jim (Wendy) Cooley, daughter Nanette Cooley, grandchildren Travis (Brittany) Simas, Josh (Jennifer) Simas, Caressa (TJ) McCanna, Sarah Cooley, Andrew Cooley, Britteny (Kyle Manchester) Cooley, Jacob Cooley, Sam Cooley, Angelina Cooley, and Angela Cooley, and 9 great grandchildren. He also leaves brothers-in-law James Henry (Janet) Dall and Andy (Shannon) Dall. At his request, no services will be held. Burial will be in the Evergreen cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his and Pat's name to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka.

Norman Carol Cooley

May 2, 1928 - November 11, 2023