Norman Alfred Oss III, 79

Norman “Buddy” Oss III, aka “Stickman,” 79, passed away Oct. 24, 2026, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. He was born Sept. 12, 1947, in Long Beach, Calif., to parents Norman A. Oss Jr. and Juanina Fernandez Oss. The eldest of four children, Norm was followed by his siblings Ed, Christine and Margaret.

Norm’s early years were filled with change and adventure as his family lived in Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and eventually California. He graduated from Redwood High School in Marin County, Calif., in 1965.

Following graduation, Norm enlisted in the United States Army, where he volunteered to serve his country during the Vietnam War. From 1967 to 1968, he served as a tank driver, an experience that became an important and impactful chapter that changed his life forever. In his later years, you would be hard-pressed to find a picture of Norm when he wasn’t wearing his Vietnam Veteran hat. As time went on, he connected with many of the men he served with, eventually gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He traveled there several times, once participating in the reading of names. 

Throughout his working years, Norm held a variety of positions, but one of his most memorable was serving as assistant to the president of Holiday Magic, Inc. The position gave him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world, collecting experiences and stories that he would share for years to come.

In 1975, Norm married Karen Mills, and together they raised three children: Andy, Anthony and Nikki. They made their home in Rohnert Park, Calif., where Norm drove trucks for Marin Gas Products. He also pursued his education at the College of Marin and Sonoma State College.

In 1991, the family made a big move and relocated to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, beginning a new chapter in the Pacific Northwest. Norm and Karen eventually went their separate ways in 1995.

Norman met his second wife, Kim Ashbaugh, while working at Honeywell. They went on to share 30 wonderful years together, a journey that included getting married in Hawaii and several trips to Europe. They shared a love of nature as they spent three decades exploring the beauty around them, whether they were out on their mountain bikes, hiking local trails or picking huckleberries.

Norm was very athletic in his younger years; he loved playing basketball. He spent many nights and weekends at the local gym or park playing pickup basketball and in several men’s leagues, as well as participating in 3-on-3 tournaments in the CDA area. He also had an adventurous streak and was never afraid to try something exciting. Whether parachuting, bungee jumping off hot air balloons, riding motorcycles, climbing mountains, or traveling to faraway places, he embraced opportunities to experience something new. His travels and adventures provided him with a lifetime of stories.

Upon retiring, Norman became a beloved fixture of his local community, affectionately known to everyone as "Stickman." Sitting out in his carport, he met countless people — neighbors, passersby and friends from all walks of life. He carved and gave away beautiful walking sticks to anyone who needed one, firmly believing that "not everything in life is for sale." His carport became a place of wonder; several local school field trips ended with a visit to “Stickman,” where children would happily gather treasures of a walking stick, polished stones, shells, rocks and marbles. He loved being “Stickman” so much; it was one of the most treasured times of his life.

Norman also took immense pride in his writing. Over the years, he sent countless cards and letters to friends and family, crafting almost all of them in his own distinct style of calligraphy. Because his writing was unique and full of care, many of these pieces have been saved by those who received them, serving as lasting keepsakes of his kindness and generosity.

A defining part of Norman's family history began in the Philippines during World War II, where his parents met as teenagers while interned at the Los Baños internment camp. They were later rescued during a raid that saved all of the internees.

Norm is survived by his wife, Kim; his children, Andy (Jolene) Oss, Anthony (Lindsay) Oss and Nikki (Jeremy) Fessler; and his three grandchildren, Sophia, Olivia and Mason. He is also survived by his siblings, Ed Oss and Christine Oss LaBang, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman A. Oss Jr. and Juanina Fernandez Oss, and his little sister, Margaret.

In memory of Norman, please consider a contribution to Hospice of North Idaho. www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org, 208-772-7994, Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

No public services are planned.