Willis “Will” Chandler Norwood died peacefully with family at his side January 4, 2014. He was 84 years old. Will is survived by Marcia, his wife of 57 years, their three children, David (Gail), Doug (Susan), Amy (Doug), sister Zoe Brown, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and extended family including a stuffed bear named Fred, a wooden pig, silly yellow ducks and a little blue mouse.

Born in Grand Rapids, MI, on June 1, 1929, his teen years were spent dodging the truant officer in Kent, WA.

He served his country during the Korean conflict as an army radio instructor. A graduate of Washington State College and Harvard Business School, this latter-day hippie founded THE WOOD SHOP in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, crafting musical instruments, folk toys and memories for all.

This man of the sea who couldn’t swim dropped his anchor on the north shore of Vashon Island, where for 35 years he and Marcia weathered the storms, shared their summers and lost themselves in the sunsets. His shop was his sanctum, his books were his sails, yet Marcia was always his love.

He was a fisherman, audiophile, boat builder, fine wood worker, jeweler, lapidary artist, and machinist. A reader, naturalist, dreamer, humorist and critic, he was an aficionado and collector of the slightly off center and quite frankly, the just weird.

Will was a curmudgeon before they were popular ~ misunderstood by some, appreciated by many and loved by even more. Will’s generosity was always personal.

Will’s family profoundly thanks all organ donors and their families. A donated heart gave them 20 years of joy brought to life through the optimism, compassion and skills of an army of medical professionals at the University of Washington.

A celebration of life is planned for 1:30 P.M., February 1, 2014 at Timber Ridge, 100 Timber Ridge Way NW, Issaquah, WA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: UW Foundation, School of Medicine-Research, (877) 894-4387.

Paid Obituary.