September 9, 1927 – August 27, 2022

Our friend, Norm Costa, passed away at the age of 94.

Norm was born in Lodi, California on his father’s ranch where grapes and walnuts were harvested.  Norm’s mother described her son as a gentle boy who loved to play in the backyard.  Norm attended New Mexico Institute where he participated in track and wrestling, while harvesting walnuts for work.  He enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 and served as Seaman First Class on the USS West Virginia as it traveled carrying troops back home from the war.  Norm attended College of the Pacific on the G. I. Bill.  For fun, he founded a group of race car drivers named Mid Cal Stockers and encouraged safe racing off the highways and onto race tracks.

Norm spent time in manufacturing jobs in San Francisco before moving to Oregon in 1958 to be with his partner.  He would take up hair dressing in a Lake Oswego salon, then audio technician setting up stage for grunge bands in the 90s.

Norm began attending Metropolitan Community Church of Portland in the late 1970s where he found the joy of nature outside of church and his faith fulfilled inside the church.  Please make any donations to MCC Portland, 2828 SE Stephens, Portland, Oregon 97214,

Norm’s last employment was with Yamhill Public Health working as an HIV prevention and testing facilitator.  His community outreach would last into the 2000s and included dozens of community awards for supporting LGBTQ groups and HIV outreach.

Please see http://normcostasbiography.wordpress.com for more details and photos from Norm’s life. Announcements related to his memorial service will be made there too.