It is with heavy hearts we share the news of the sudden passing of Norm Ockinga on June 11, 2025, in Seattle, Washington.

Norm was born in 1961, on an army base in Frankfurt Germany. His family moved to Lakewood, Washington, in 1962, and he spent most of his life living in the surrounding areas, including over 25 years on Vashon Island. Norm graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Norm worked as an insurance adjuster and did various customer service jobs, most notably his 23 years spent at Island Lumber.

Norm is survived by his son Paul and daughter-in-law, Hailey Ockinga, his daughter Lauren and son-in-law Tyler Brenneman and grandson Coen Brenneman. He is also survived by his brothers Denny Ockinga, Gene Ockinga and sister Carol Ockinga Salazar, as well as many extended family members and a wide circle of friends.

Norm’s biggest joy in life was his family, whom he spent as much time with as possible, especially his grandson who called him “papa.” Norm loved chatting with friends, playing poker, watching and talking about sports, being outdoors, fishing, kayaking, grilling, seeing national parks and other wonders of nature.

Norm’s family welcomes all who know him to join them in celebrating his life on Saturday, July 12th at 1:00pm at the Vashon Island Sportsmen’s Club, 19720 Singer Rd SW, Vashon, Washington 98070. As Norm was an organ recipient and organ donor, please consider becoming an organ donor in Norm’s memory.