Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ira Stirling Norris (Iron Horse Norris) who passed away on May 15, 2023, due to a fishing accident on the Klamath river. Ira was born in Arcata Ca. on November 17, 1978, and raised in Smith River California. Ira enjoyed all things outdoors fishing, hunting, logging, gold panning, wood carving, collecting antiques, rock hounding, gardening, swimming, hiking, making fish tackle, and so much more. Ira was a Yurok tribal member, but also was a descent of the Hupa, Tolowa, and Klamath tribes, he also loved all things traditional such as eeling, setting nets, and making traditional regalia. Ira went to school in Smith River, Del North, and College of the Redwoods.
Ira truly enjoyed all types of fishing and collecting Seafoods and Ira always enjoyed learning new things and did a lot of self-teaching such as snorkeling, surfing, abalone diving, bull riding and running different machinery, at the age of eight Ira taught himself how to swim. Ira was currently a certified and license truck driver for Safe Coast Seafood, which he truly enjoyed all the road trips and adventures he made along the way. Along with many other accomplishments Ira was a diesel mechanic, welding, and electrician work, previous cook at the Golden Bear Casino, business owner of Scorpion Lawn Care and he also had his heavy equipment operating machinery certification, had his American career training diploma, entry-level driver training certification, certified in many areas for his sea captain license and was a deckhand and captain for over 35 years and even fish from Alaska, the bearing seas, and the coast of Mexico.
Ira also was Certified in logging choke setter, Certified Drill pump and water analysis technician, and California conservation Corp as a CCC member he worked a long the Klamath river, but out of all these amazing accomplishments Ira would tell you that his greatest achievement would have been being a father, he loved all his sons deeply and he was truly proud of them all. Ira was a hard-working family man who didn't hesitate to help anybody, he would literally give you the last dollar in his pocket if he felt like you needed it, and it didn't matter if you were a stranger or not Ira had a giving heart. Ira whole heartly cared about every single person in his family he was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. Ira believed in his Traditional cultural beliefs, but he also loved his church family as well. He loved to share stories and meet new people and he always respected his elders because he truly enjoyed learning from them. Some of Ira’s, fondest memories are him and his grandpa Leroy Norris going fishing and cutting firewood he also considered his grandmother Irma Norris to be a second mom to him. Ira first learned how to drive a truck at the age of three years old on his grandpa’s lap in a green Ford truck. Ira also enjoyed talking about all the knowledge he received from his grandparents, such as gathering, traditional foods, canning smoked fish, berry picking, wood carving, and drum making, singing traditional songs, but he mostly enjoyed carving in detail Yurok canoe like his grandfather did. Ira was taught a very young age to always respect the land and to never take without saying a prayer and offering something in return. We know in our hearts that Ira is continuing to say his prayers and make his offerings as he takes his last boat ride home.
Ira is continuing his journey home to reunite with his loved ones he will take his place beside his Great grandparents Bill, and Ella Norris, Great grandparents, Harry and Kate Wilson, grandparents, Leroy Norris, and Irma Wilson-Norris, Father John Shaw, aunts (Bunny) Vera Norris-Westman and Laverne Norris-Aupperle, and numerous family members.His memory survives through his mother Gail Norris, sister Jamyelynn Norris-Lewis, Brother Johnny Shaw, Sons Keegan, Hunter, Talon Norris, brother-in-law Jerime Lewis, nephews Henrie and Clide Lewis, cousins, Lenni Kaler, Mike Richards, Denise Padgette, Troy and Kelsy Padgette, Josh Norris, Hoppow Norris, Annelia Norris-Hillman, and best friend, Howard Young, and numerous family members and dear friends.Ira always believed in his family traditions of never saying goodbye, but until we meet again, Wok-hlew.