10/12/2025
Cecil's celebration of life is today at 11 AM.
Cecil Ryan Norris, 47, passed away suddenly on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, from heart complications at his home in Clarkston. Cecil was born Oct. 12, 1977, in Walla Walla to Bob Norris and Linda (Kelly) Norris. Cecil was raised in Pomeroy and attended the Pomeroy School District. As a teenager, he worked for various local farmers and ranchers. After school he continued working for various farmers/ranchers and even moved to Mountain Home, Idaho, for a while, before moving back to Pomeroy and became a field service representative for local fertilizer companies. He enjoyed the farming and ranching industry. Earlier this year, he bought several chickens and a coop to be a hobby egg farmer. You couldn’t take the farmer out of Cecil. Up until his passing, he enjoyed helping his farming friends move equipment or going to get parts when they needed him.
In 1999, Cecil married Carolyn Husky and immediately became a stepfather to Johnnie Durwood Kilgore Jr. On Aug. 26, 2000, they were blessed with their son, Lane Robert. Lane became Cecil’s world. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do or give up for his son. Carolyn and Cecil later divorced but continued to focus on and provide for Lane. Cecil was so incredibly proud of Lane.
In 2017, he accepted a job with McGregor Land and Livestock and relocated to the metropolis of Hooper, Wash., with a population of 40 people. He was hired as a farm employee but never hesitated to jump in and help with the cattle. He enjoyed being part of feeding in the winter, branding and weaning. Whenever possible, he was at Mulrony’s annual branding festivities.
Hooper was home for Cecil until 2024 when a back injury required surgery. After the surgery, the doctor informed him that he could never return to farm labor. During this time, Cecil reconnected with a high school classmate, Monica Bishop. Their relationship grew stronger, and he moved to Clarkston. Cecil enjoyed being “closer” to home and cherished his relationship that grew with Monica. He was the happiest he had ever been. He appreciated and loved everything about Monica. They enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and doing almost everything together. Cecil passed away a happy man.
Cecil loved kids ... his kids, my kids, your kids ... any kids. His love for kids had him dress up as Santa for pictures several times. Babies were often in his arms; boy did he make them look small. In the comments on Facebook after Cecil’s passing, a common theme was what a great guy he was and how much everyone loved him. He was described as a salt-of-the-earth man, a giant teddy bear and having the biggest and kindest heart, all good descriptors of him. Cecil was a devoted son, dedicated father, proud grandfather and a loyal friend. He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly. Take comfort in the fact that Cecil is no longer suffering with his back pain, nerve pain, arthritic pain and the continual complications he has dealt with since his surgery. You can bet that he is having some great times with those that have gone before us.
Cecil was a member of the Pomeroy Spinners and Pomeroy Pony Punchers. When he was able, he enjoyed helping with their events. Cecil’s love for c**n dogs kept him busy in his younger days with many late nights on the Tucannon “releasing the hounds.”
Cecil is preceded in death by his mother, Linda, and is survived by his son Lane, his granddaughter Ellie (9 months), his dad, Bob, a brother Coy, stepson Johnnie, wife Sierra and their sons Johnnie Kody (soon to be born), two aunts, two uncles, numerous cousins and the love of his life, Monica Bishop and her sister Rachel that lived with them.
