Norm Marsh was a timber cruiser who worked for the Oregon Department of Revenue during the days when ODR was responsible for cruising and valuing standing timber for tax purposes. After retiring from ODR in the mid 1960s, Norm went to work for Willamette Industries, Inc. in the Alsea area. Later Norm became the Chief Appraiser for WII and returned to what became his lifelong passion and the skill and expertise that he was renowned for.  Few foresters could keep up with Norm in the woods and his knowledge of trees and the characteristics that made them valuable for lumber and plywood was unequaled.

One of Norm’s passions was teaching other foresters the “art” of timber cruising. Norm worked for many years in partnership with the late Professor John Bell (Oregon State University) to conduct a “Variable Plot Short Course”, which helped foresters to hone their skills in timber cruising.  Hundreds of foresters benefitted from Norm’s teaching and enthusiasm for timber cruising over the 55 years Norm taught the field portion of the course.

Norm Marsh passed away on July 15th , 2023.  The  purpose of this letter is to invite anyone who knew this remarkable man, especially those foresters who benefitted from his teaching, to participate in establishing a memorial fund through the Oregon State University, College of Forestry Foundation.

We would invite you to participate in the fund with any amount you feel generous to give in memory of Norm Marsh.  You may contribute gifts using this online form. 

Thank you for considering this tribute to an exceptional forester, who gave generously of his time and talents to the Oregon State University College of Forestry.

For help facilitating gifts, multiyear pledges, or any other questions, please contact Melanie Ellis-Roach at 541-223-3398.