Norman Bernard Smyers

Norman Bernard Smyers, 82, of Missoula, Montana, passed away at home on April 1, 2026.

Born and raised in Hawthorne, California, Norm loved the beach, raced his bicycle all over the South Bay area, and hiked and explored the nearby mountains and deserts. He realized at a very young age that he wanted to be a geologist, a goal likely arising from family camp trips to the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada where his curiosity was captivated by land formations, rocks and fossils. He graduated from California State College, Long Beach, followed by a MS in geology from CSU, San Diego, and much later, a MA in anthropology (his “retirement” degree) from University of Montana…always a lifelong learner.

His career began with teaching high school science and math in Torrance, California, interspersed with several enjoyable summers working as a ranger/naturalist at Crater Lake National Park, Cape Perpetua/Siuslaw National Forest, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest/Inyo National Forest, and Bryce Canyon National Park. For thirty years, he held geologist positions with the US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service in California, Nevada, Colorado and Montana. Active involvement in the formation of the Ice Age Floods Institute and its local chapter, Glacial Lake Missoula gave him immeasurable satisfaction and pride. He served on the Target Range Sewer and Water Board, participated in Five Valleys Audubon, and enjoyed cruising in his ’47 Ford and ’85 Corvette with local car clubs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Smyers and Martha Word, sisters Lisa and Marsha.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cathryn, companion dog Paco, and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a (yet to be determined) Glacial Lake Missoula site where his ashes will happily waft, settle and mingle with the sediments.