Norman Leon Weigand Jr

Norman Leon Weigand Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27th, 2014, in Madras, Oregon after a brief illness. Norman was born, July 29th, 1927 in Portland, Oregon, to Norman Liborius Weigand and Esther BeeBee Weigand. Norman Sr. and Esther farmed acreage owned between Prineville and Madras in an area called Lamonta, about six miles southeast of Madras. They grew several crops including potatoes and wheat, and also raised cattle. Norman Jr. and his brother, Phillip, learned at an early age, the importance of hard work. Norm attended Powell Butte Grade School and Redmond High School, where he graduated in 1946. He attended Colorado State University for a short time and then transferred to Oregon State University where he was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity and studied agriculture. Because Norms passion was farming, he decided to quit school and move back to Central Oregon to farm. In Redmond, on April 16th, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart; Janice Annette Davis. They farmed in Powell Butte for a brief period. The couple and young family then moved to Culver to farm on rented ground. In 1954, Norm and Janice purchased acreage on North Adams Drive in Madras. Slowly they added to the home place; first a potato cellar, a machine shop, and a feedlot. Together with Norms dad and brother, Phil, and the formation of Weigand Ranches, Inc.; more land was accumulated. In 1962, Norm and Jan began building their dream home just down the road and moved in November 23, 1963. In 1980, a wheat ranch in Condon was also purchased. There was always plenty of work to do, but they were up to the challenge. One of his favorite crops was potatoes. He loved growing potatoes; did so for 45 years; and was very successful at it. His other passion was ranching and the cattle industry. He was involved in the cow/calf, yearling, and feedlot business for many years. For a time, he pastured cattle at Deer Island and Washougal, Washington. He was named Cattleman-of-the-Year in 1987. Norm was also a longtime member of the Jefferson County Livestock Association and The Oregon Cattlemens Association. He served on a New Crops Board for the Oregon State Department of Agriculture. He was also a member of the Elks and St. Patricks Catholic Church of Madras. In 2003, he decided to go back to his home roots and purchased 160 acres at the base of Grizzly Mountain where the Joe Weigand family homestead began 105 years prior (1896 Joe was Norms grandfather). To this day, a windmill and Weigand Family marker, mark the spot. Norm farmed the property for 6 years and then retired in 2009. Other than farming and ranching, Norm enjoyed travelling, especially to Hawaii. He loved playing tennis, volleyball, and the game of Hearts. He was preceded in death by his parents Norm Sr. and Esther; brother, Phillip; son-in-law, Tom; and beloved wife, Janice, who died in 1990. He is survived by his children, Cathy (and Burr) Richards of Bend, Oregon; Craig (and Leslie) Weigand of Madras, Oregon; and Susie Green of Madras, Oregon; 10 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Many loved and admired our dad. His energy and work ethic were amazing even up to the last few months of his life. We will miss his quick wit and sense of humor. His smile and beautiful blue eyes could light up a room! Love you Dad!! A mass is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd at 11:30am at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Redmond, Oregon. Contributions can be made in Norms memory to the Jefferson County Historical Society, P.O. Box 647, Madras, OR 97741 Funeral Home: Redmond Memorial Chapel 717 SW 6th Street Redmond, OR US 97756

Norman Leon Weigand Jr

July 29, 1927 - September 27, 2014