Norman Dale Vance, 84, Great Falls, Montana

Norman Dale Vance, 84, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 9, 2024, at his son David’s home in The Woodlands, Texas. Born on February 25, 1940, in Brownstown, he was the son of James and Doris Vance. He is survived by his loving wife, Rory, daughter Melissa (Dave) of Oahu, Hawaii, sons David (Laura) of The Woodlands, Texas, and Stephen (Michelle) of Las Vegas, Nevada, daughter Stacey of England, eight grandchildren, and his sister Joyce of Grand Junction, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents. Norm was a loving father, grandfather, and a devoted man of faith and a member of New Hope Christian Church in Great Falls, Montana. He was known for his adventurous spirit, a trait that began in his youth and remained a defining part of his life. As a young boy, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and went on a life-changing trip to California for a Boy Scout jamboree. It was there that he fell in love with California, a place he knew he would eventually call home. True to his word, he later moved to California, where his love for the state flourished. His adventurous nature didn’t stop there. Norm served in the Air Force and later held a job that took him to Thule, Greenland, of which he often told captivating stories of his experiences in that remote and challenging location. These stories, along with his many travels around the world, left a lasting impression on his family. Afterward, during his time in California, he met his future wife, Rory, while he was her scuba diving instructor. Throughout their time together, they shared many experiences, facing life’s adventures and challenges side by side with companionship, mutual respect, faith and love. One of the most remarkable chapters in his life was when he lived in the Marshall Islands on the island of Kwajalein with his family, first from 1977 to 1979 and again from 1990 to 2010. Norm always sought out new adventures and believed in experiencing the best life had to offer, retiring with Rory in her hometown of Great Falls, Montana. This sense of adventure was passed down to his children, all who have served in the military as he did and have lived in various parts of the world, continuing their father’s legacy of exploration and curiosity. A memorial service will be held at a location and date to be determined. A private burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls, Montana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Beyond Hospice in his honor. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers of Hope Beyond Hospice of The Woodlands, Texas, for their care and support.