Norman Russell Parrent, 81, of Miles City passed away Sunday, May 27, 2012 at Holy Rosary Extended Care.
Norman was born March 15, 1931 at Livingston, MT to Louis and Ada Barto (Russell) Parrent. He lived in the Wilsall, MT area, and then finished his schooling at Miles City. He worked at many different jobs over the years. From driving taxi, to bill collecting and repossessing, to farmhand and ranch hand, and mechanic; which led up to the last half of his life.
In the late 1960’s, Norman moved to Hardin, MT and went to work for Graham-Staunton Chevrolet as a mechanic. As a part of that he drove their tow truck on call 24/7. Then it seemed natural progression to become an EMT and drive the ambulance, then to running the ambulance service and also teaching Red Cross and EMT classes, then adding county coordinator for Disaster and Emergency Services.
In 1981, he moved to Miles City and the position of District Supervisor for the DES. At one point in time, he was in charge of sixteen eastern counties. He continued this position until 2010, when he was forced to retire for health reasons. He liked to be involved in implementing better emergency handling. He was very proud in 2003 to travel to Washington, DC and be awarded the Mark Trail NOAA Weather Radio Award for his work in helping to implement a better weather warning system in Eastern Montana. The press release stated “Parrent is the only recipient of the award from Montana, one of 19 nationwide.”
Norman married Emma Jean (Rustee) Winkley in Miles City July 27, 1953. Their only son, Leon Russell, was born February 26, 1958 in Bozeman, MT. Norman admitted that he never would have gotten to where he did without Rustee standing behind him and supporting him all the way. This, even though she spent about the last twenty years of her life progressively paralyzing from an inoperable tumor.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Rustee, in 1992, his parents, two sisters, one brother, several in-laws, and nieces and nephews. He is survived by “My Monster” Leon, one sister, Jewell Hetland, granddaughter, Rose, a grandson Samuel, numerous in-laws, and many, many nieces and nephews into the great-greats.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with a prayer service being held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home in Livingston, MT from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Wilsall Cemetery at Wilsall, MT. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday June 4, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 9, 2012
Franzen-Davis Funeral Home
Livingston, MT
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday June 4, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 9, 2012
Franzen-Davis Funeral Home
Livingston, MT
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Julie Brodhead says
Norm, was a warm and caring man and a precious gem in our great state! He was fun to work with and visit with.
You will be missed, Julie
Leah Miller says
Sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. He will be missed at the coffee shop. He was an interesting man to get to know.
Carole Raymond says
Rest in peace, Norm. You knew more about DES than anybody.
Carol Hellyer says
May you rest in peace, my mentor and friend for the past 25 years.
Candy Loehding says
Rest in peace, Norman. You will be missed…
Frank Datta says
Norman and I met in the 1960’s and we have been friends since that time. I have tears in my eyes as I think of all the times we met for coffee or lunch at many towns in Montana. Also, remember all the birthdays we shared over the years. He will be greatly missed and I am proud to have had him for a friend and mentor.
Rebecca McEuen says
Life does change when a loved one dies…but with prayers of support you will be able to make these changes. My prayers are with you and the family…from a DES colleague.
Mark Winkley says
Norm was such a good guy I really liked visting with him at his office and also the family reunions.He will be missed,rest in peace Norm.
Charlie Hanson says
Thanks for your wise counsel over the years.
Tanja Fransen says
I really enjoyed working with Norm from the moment I met him in 2001. He greatly helped me understand emergency management, and was always available if we needed something from him. I’ll always remember him sending me photos of him dressed in his various suits trying to figure out what the heck to wear to the Mark Trail Awards Ceremony in D.C.
I know he missed his wife greatly, and its comforting to think they are together again. Thank you Norm for everything over the years!
Tanja Fransen
NOAA/National Weather Service Glasgow, MT
Wilma Puich says
You were my dear friend and advisor in Red Cross, EMS and DES. Over 40 years we shared lots of great experiences and made many memories. Rest in peace my dear friend. Montana will miss you much!!!
Wilma
Jens Bolstad says
God Bless you and yours Poppa!
You are solely missed
Helen Conradsen says
Sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. He was always helpful and very supportive when I was a DES Coordinator. After I retired, Cliff & I enjoyed having a cup of coffee with him on some of our trips to Miles City. Our Sympathies go out to his family.
Drew Dawson says
I am proud to have worked with Norm for many years.He is truly one of Montana’s pioneers in EMS and DES and one who made a tremendous difference.k
Carola Moline says
Leon, I was sorry to hear of Normans passing, he was a friend to so many, it is hard when both Mom and Dad are gone and no brothers or sisters, so I do feel bad for you, having to make those final decisions. There is a real hope for the future for all of those who have died I hope to be able to catch up with you one of these days and share that with you. In the mean time know that we are thinking of you and feeling your pain. Carola
Steve Kuhl says
I loved working with Norm Parrent while I worked with the NWS in Billings, MT. I was with him when he received his Mark Trail Award in Washington D.C. He was extremely proud yet humble about receiving this honor.
Jim Scarlett says
Rest in Peace Norm! You will be missed. It was a pleasure working with you.
Keith Meier says
A great public servant & friend to all.
Julie Adolphson says
Norm was a great partner of the National Weather Service, no one was more deserving of the Mark Trail Award. He taught me a lot about DES and the “Montana way” along with history and humility! My Sympathies to his family and friends. Julie Adolphson, Meteorologist in Charge, NWS Kansas City (formerly, Glasgow, MT)
Shannon Dowse says
To all of Norman’s friends and family,
I am sorry for your loss. I only knew Norman for a short period of time but I enjoyed my visits with him. Please know I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Shannon Dowse RNO
Jim Anderson says
Storm’n Norman…….Through the years that we worked together at MT DES your friendship was greatly appreicated. You devoted your life in helping others and local government. We worked through floods, winter storms, wildland fires, drought and many other hardships and you were always there to help those in need. You will be missed. Peace be with your family.