Obituary: Kilgore, Norman Edward
Age 90
Born on May 24, 1925, he was the only child of Edward Samuel Kilgore and Bessie Lela Wolcott.
He grew up in the Spokane Valley.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Kilgore, in 2013.
Norm and his wife of 27 years, Dorothy Rongren Warren, were proud parents.
Most of his children live in the Spokane area: Kevin (Dianna), Mary Kivle (Jack), Mike (Cathy), Megan Neill (Tom) in Seattle, Jeff (Julie), Jenny (Brian), Matt (Peggy Sue).
He has 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, two step-children Rhonda Johnson (Allen), Doug Franklin (Teresa) and three step-grandchildren.
He married Loretta Franklin in 1983 and they had 33 wonderful years together.
A few of the words that would describe Norm are: a man of faith, veteran, well educated, newspaper man, college instructor, civic leader, and traveler.
After he graduated from Central Valley High School in 1943, he joined the Navy.
The United States was involved in World War II and he served three years that included the South Pacific.
Returning home to Dishman, he enrolled at Gonzaga University earning their first journalism degree (cum laude).
During his junior year, he was elected Gonzaga’s Student Body President.
He was baptized into the Catholic Church, met and married Dorothy Rongren, began his 34 year career at the Spokesman-Review/Spokane Daily Chronicle, and started raising a family.
He held many positions at the newspaper from cub reporter to promotion and research manager.
Always active, he served as chairman of many organizations including President of the Spokane Advertising Federation and President of the International Newspaper Marketing Association, Western Region.
Norm was a man of faith.
He volunteered and supported many facets of the Catholic Church for which he was presented a very prestigious medal from the Holy See (Pope Paul VI) given at the Vatican, February 27, 1972, and presented to Norm by Bishop Topel on April 20, 1972.
The medal, “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” was given in recognition of his distinguished service for the church and the Pope.
His church accomplishments are too numerous to list but included being chairman of Catholic Charities of Spokane.
In his 50s, Norm returned to GU to earn his MBA.
After retiring from the newspaper in 1984, he was only idle a few weeks.
The fall quarter was about to start at Spokane Community College and they needed an adjunct instructor in the marketing/management department.
That was the beginning of his second career that lasted approximately 18 years.
He and Loretta found time to travel.
His favorite trip was Greece.
Always an avid reader, he mastered the kindle and in the last few months enjoyed his new iPhone.
He played Mahjong up to the last day of his full life and remained a loyal Gonzaga Basketball fan.
Go ZAGS!
The Funeral Service will begin with a Vigil on Sunday, October 25 at 5:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, on Monday, October 26 at 10:00 am a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Ave., Spokane, WA 99201.
Graveside Service and Military Honors will begin at 1 pm at Riverside Memorial Park at 508 N. Government Way.
Everyone is welcome to any or all of these celebrations of Norm’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Spokane, 12 E. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99202, or the charity of your choice.