Norman Arthur Mecham

Norman Arthur Mecham, 76, of Goshen , Idaho, passed away peacefully the afternoon of July 18 at his home.

He was born January 28, 1938 in Firth, Idaho to Evan Lyon Mecham and Evelyn Iris Schiess, the third of twelve children. The family lived in Firth and Victor early on.  Settling in the Blackfoot area, Norman attended Blackfoot Schools for all of his education, graduating from Blackfoot High School in 1956. While attending high school, he was the winner of the Idaho Cooperative Council Achievement Contest, winning a trip to the National Cooperative Convention held in North Carolina.

On April 6, 1957 Norman married Virginia Lee Delaney in Blackfoot, Idaho.  They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 31, 1959.

Norman and Virginia raised their family, primarily in Goshen where the children attended the Firth School District.

Norman worked for over 30 years at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratories.  He enjoyed his work as a nuclear mechanic as it gave him many opportunities to use his problem solving skills. He also served his final twelve years on the Shelley/Firth Fire Department Board of commissioners.

Norman spent most of his time building his family. He never missed an activity his children were involved in.  He became a near permanent fixture at Firth High School events for many years. He found he had no time to slow down as grandchildren provided him with opportunities to travel to and enjoy their activities.

He loved hunting, fishing, camping and horseback riding.  He fulfilled a life-long dream by building a cabin in Island Park where the family and friends created many happy memories.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, four brothers, and four sisters. His children Dale and Marva Mecham, Daniel and Claudia Mecham, David and Deslynn Mecham, Douglas and Kathy Mecham, and TaraLee Mecham.  He is remembered with love, by nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann Mecham and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the Firth Stake Center (823 North 675 East) in Basalt. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, (110 West Oak Street) in Shelley and Wednesday morning from 9:30 till 10:45 a.m. at the Church. Interment will be in the Goshen Cemetery.