Pat, Dad, Papa

A much-loved son, husband, father, grandfather and friend, Pat Normile of Surprise, Arizona (formerly of Mountlake Terrace, Washington, Whidbey Island, Washington and Everett Washington), passed away peacefully at his home on March 22, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Pat was born November 15, 1944 to Virginia Woodruff Kimball and James N. Normile in Columbus, Ohio. Pat spent his childhood and teenage years on the mean streets of Ballard, Washington where he met the love of his life Ann MacDonald.

Pat enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and over the next 30 years, served three tours in Viet Nam and as a member of the Navy Reserves before retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 4. Pat credited the Navy for all that he was able to achieve in his life, most important of which was creating our family. Patrick Jr was born while Pat was serving in Viet Nam and Diane was born shortly after Pat returned home from Viet Nam for good.

After Pat left active duty, he drove a bus with Seattle Transit for a few years before joining the Washington State Ferry System. Pat was a Captain and worked all the ferry runs, but his longest tenure was the Mukilteo / Clinton run. Pat wasn’t a fan of deadheading (his shift ended on the Whidbey Island side), so he and Ann purchased a home in Clinton, eventually ending up right on the beach. Ann and Pat enjoyed their dream home on the Whidbey Island beach for 30 years.

Once Pat retired from the ferry system, he and Ann purchased a motor home and travelled all over the United States with a group of long-time and new friends who have remained close for many years. Eventually, Ann and Pat took their motor home South with the friends’ group and made Surprise, Arizona their winter home.

Throughout his life, Pat was always active when he wasn’t working. He and Ann were officers on the MTYAA Football Board and members of bowling teams. Pat ran 5Ks, biked for fun, commuted via bike from Whidbey Island to Seattle for work, rode in the Seattle to Portland bike race and tried his hand at golf (not so good). When Pat was in his early years with the ferry system and Patrick Jr and Diane were young, Pat worked holidays due to his lack of seniority. During Pat’s later years, when he had the seniority, he volunteered to work the holidays so other employees with young children could have the day off. That is who he was.

Pat is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann MacDonald Normile; son Patrick Normile Jr; daughter Diane Normile Scheuffele and husband Mark; grandchildren Micah & Samantha Normile and Andrew & Matthew Scheuffele. Pat loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. We loved him so much and miss him terribly. We are blessed to have so many good memories.