Wallace "Mark" Norley

Wallace D. “Mark” Norley passed away from cancer at The Retreat at Buffalo Hill on the morning of Dec. 8, 2020.

Mark was born Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931, to Louis H. Norley and Anna Hansen Norley and was nicknamed “Bunny,” a sobriquet he still carries among friends. He has long been known for his artistic talent and effervescence. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Montana State University, then served in the U.S. Air Force. After discharge as a first lieutenant, he moved to Los Angeles, attended UCLA and received an Master of Art in Design degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

Mark then spent the next 40 years as a gifted art instructor and administrator on the secondary and college levels in the Glendale School District. He became widely known as an artist and art critic. It was in Glendale that he met his companion James Udick and they enjoyed the next 57 years together doing the things they both enjoyed doing, especially travelling the U.S. and the world.

Upon retirement, he and James moved to Kalispell in 1993 and even before settling in became involved in the local museums and community affairs. Mark served as president of the boards of the Hockaday Museum, the Conrad Mansion Museum, the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center, and as chairman of the City of Kalispell Architectural Review board, as well as working hard for “Save Central School,” the genesis of that fine institution. He continued his artistic career and had a one-man show of his work at Flathead Valley Community College. He also was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church and had served on the Vestry.

He leaves behind his companion James Udick, niece Lt. Col. Michele Middlesworth of Broomfield. Colorado, nephew Louis Norley of Elk Grove, California, and the many, many friends whom he dearly loved.

Mark’s last earthly home will be the Hillside Cemetery in the Norley family plot in Conrad, Montana, and a memorial service in Kalispell will be held at a later date.

“Goodbye, my friend, my pal, my all.”

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