Francis Norton “Nort” Hall entered this world on Feb. 13, 1930, in Wilmington, Del., to parents, Francis Willard and Caroline (Norton) Hall. He left us on Sept. 16, 2012.

At a young age, Nort and his family traveled to Washington state to visit his beloved Aunt Etna Jenkins in Othello, Wash. The following year the family moved west, eventually settling in Ritzville, Wash. He graduated from Ritzville High in 1947. Active in both Civil Air Patrol and his Boy Scout Troop, he became an Eagle Scout in April 1945. He was proud of that accomplishment and was a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association.

On June 1, 1950, Nort married his first wife, Virginia Janusch. This union produced three children, Ross (El Paso, Texas), Holly (Yakima, Wash.) and Gene (Cody, Wyo.). While raising their family, Nort and Virginia purchased 7th Street Mobile on the corner of Seventh and Sherman. He helped supply fuel for the Diamond Cup races and was one of the original Hydromaniacs. He also was a member of the Coeur d’Alene Jaycees, and the Eagles and Elks lodges. Following his divorce, Nort married Elizabeth Fountain. Together they blended her three children, Diane Heilman (Coeur d’Alene), Jeff Fountain (Coeur d’Alene) and Debbie Stanley (Spokane) with his for a total of six children.

Cars were always in his blood and in the mid-60s he found his vocation in selling them. Starting with Crollard Ford, he worked for several dealerships in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. At the time of his death, he was still finding the right car for his customers at Robideaux Motors.

Nort had a passion for life and many interests. His weekend fishing exploits on Lake Pend Oreille often made the sports page of The Press. While working at Crollard he helped organize the local Punt, Pass & Kick competition, and he loved NASCAR, being a diehard Earnhart fan from Dale to Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his Aunt Minnie Hall who helped raise him and both his wives. He leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Yvonne Hall (Hayden); his six children; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends who were so much a part of his extended family.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the support they have received from Nort’s many friends and associates. Contributions may be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of American or Hospice of North Idaho.

The visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. today, Sept. 20, 2012, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at Yates Hayden Chapel. Burial will be at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens with a reception following at the Yates Hayden Chapel’s Gathering Center. You may visit Nort’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.