Norman Edward Evans, formerly of Vashon Island, died Nov. 13, 2004, at his home in Washoe Valley, Nev. He was 74 years old.

He was born March 6, 1930, in Gillette, Wyo., to Edward Marshall Evans and Nina Mae Cooper.

He was home schooled until he was a teenager and then graduated from Principia, a private school in St. Louis. After graduating, he enlisted in the Army in 1949 and achieved the rank of corporal.

He married Barbara Lewis on May 13, 1951, in Burton.

He lived in Washoe Valley, Nev., for 33 years and was a rancher there. He founded and operated the Black Gold Arabian Ranch in Washoe Valley. He was a past member and director of several Arabian Horse Associations in Washington and Nevada. His deepest passion was breeding and showing of his Arabian horses.

He was an artist in his teen years and then worked as a commercial artist for Boeing for 15 years. He continued to paint throughout his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding horses.

Survivors include his wife Barbara of Washoe Valley; son Ed Evans of Carson City; daughter Claudia Evans Quarisa of Washoe Valley; brothers Richard of Carson City and Robert of St. Peters, Miss.; and three grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was in Washoe Valley earlier. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Foundation Hospice Fund, 520 W. 6th St. Reno, Nev.,