Norman "Wally" Zirbel Obituary (1918 - 2013)

Norman "Wally" Zirbel November 15, 1918 - August 5, 2013 While his family endearingly referred to Norman Wally Zirbel as"the bionic man," he was in the end, human. He passed away August 5, on his daughter's birthday at a beautiful hospice in Tucson. He was 94. Fortunately, he led a long and very happy life enjoying good health until a brief illness which was complicated by having only one kidney and a prostate cancer diagnosis. Wally was born and grew up in Detroit in a large and loving family. After WWII where he served in the Pacific, he settled in the Seattle area, married a Bainbridge Islander, Rosemary, and raised a family of three children on Mercer Island. He was an executive for Pacific Northwest Bell for 40 years. While he accomplished much in his lifetime, nothing mattered as much to him as his relationships -- with friends; his dear sister Lenore and loyal brother Mel; two loving marriages to Rosemary and Jean; his three children; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a loving husband, wonderful brother, and selfless and caring father who always put his family first. He was a true gentleman who led a life of integrity and kindness. At his retirement party every person who got up to speak about him, many whom had worked with him for 30-plus years, mentioned his character and his kindness. And he was in love up to the end, having found a wonderful companion, Lois, whom he met at the tender age of 93 and whom he was thrilled to spend quality time with since she lived only three house's away! A private burial will be held on Bainbridge Island in September.