Norman Frank Piner

Norman Frank Piner passed away gently and peacefully in the arms and presence of his beloved family on the afternoon of October 28, 2021. Born “almost a firecracker” on July 1, 1927, to Frank Anthony Piner and Rowena Windeler Piner, he and his younger brother, Bruce, grew up in Calistoga.

Norm loved telling stories of his childhood, from memories of pets to tales of hunting, fishing, playing basketball, baseball or trumpet. He and his brother attended their father’s alma mater, St. Mary’s College, in Moraga.

Although his time there was interrupted by a two-year stint in the Navy, he graduated in 1951, with a business degree. Those Navy years became another trove for his storytelling, from San Diego basic training to his eventual rank as Storekeeper 3rd class in Astoria, Oregon. He never went to sea nor saw live action but was proud to play taps on his horn for fellow sailors who paid the ultimate price.

In the fall of 1951, Norm married Loadel Harter, a Mills College graduate, he had met on a blind date three years earlier. After stints at Standard Oil and National Container, he joined Harter Packing Company. He stayed there until his retirement from his position as Vice President and Sales Manager of what had become CHB Foods.

Norm and Loadel raised their three children around orchards, irrigation ditches and miles of smooth concrete at the cannery, perfect for rollerskating.

Loadel; Kelleen Piner (Robert Blanco), Matthew Piner (Margaret Piner), Steven Piner (Deidra), seven adored grandchildren, plus one grandson-in-law, survive him. Brian Evan and Graham Blanco, Rachael O’brien ( Tyler Blackney), Johnathan Piner and Lauren and Hayden Piner, brought immense j oy to him every time their paths crossed.

A Presbyterian, Mason and honored by Rotary as a Paul Harris fellow, he was committed to his community