William A. Nordland

ASHEVILLE– William A. Nordland, age 91, of Asheville, died Sunday, August 20, 2017. Mr. Nordland was born June 13, 1926 in Wharton, NJ and was a resident of Buncombe County since 1988. Bill loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved his wife, Carolyn with whom they had a bible study in their home for twenty years, ministering to young people and touching many lives. Bill enjoyed volunteering at the VA Medical Center, reading scripture to the veterans. He loved music and enjoyed tuning pianos. An avid tennis player he also enjoyed teaching others to play. Mr. Nordland was a veteran of the US Army Air Force. He was an engineer at Bell Telephone Laboratories for 40 years. His work included inventing the first crystals used in the first lasers, working on Telstar and helping research and perfect the first fiber optic transformer. He attended Asheville Gospel Chapel, as well as attending Emmaus Bible College and had a ministry to the Appalachian people of Kentucky. Preceding him in death are his parents, William A. and Mabel Stenman Nordland; grandson, Josh Nordland and step-granddaughter, Jessica Hicks. Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Carolyn Watson Nordland; daughter, Deborah Kania and husband Richard; sons, Mark Nordland and wife Sherry and Daniel Nordland and wife Terry; grandchildren, Richard Kania, Kathryn Gaulin (Brian), Daniel Nordland (Kerry), Melissa Ike, JoAnna Nordland, and Thomas Nordland (Tiffany); step-grandsons, Brian Hicks (Amber), Matthew (Jennifer), Jacob (Carrie) and Stephen (Kara) Kirby; and ten great grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, August 25, 2017, in Lewis Memorial Park, Asheville, with Daniel Judson officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 24, 2017 at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider: Child Evangelism Fellowship, PO Box 1872, Fairview, NC 28730 For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Nordland’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. Oak Tree Legacy Solid and true the Oak Tree stands It’s a symbol of strength and peace Wrinkles of time have worn its bark But there are stories for every crease As head of us all, you’ve always stood tall The family tree is one of pride By teaching us your heritage Swedish roots run deep and wide When Carolina winds blow, an oak never wavers Your faith helped you always stay grounded Though life’s not easy and rustled your leaves In us all God’s truth you have founded We’ve sought you for shade in the beating sun When we need some peace and rest You provided us comfort with loving arms As to young birds safe and warm in their nest You bore your soul when needed Like the leaves slipping off in the Fall Compassionate, honest, and giving Your example is one to us all So many stories you could tell Of tennis, travel, and life And of marriage we’ve all learned By how dear you treated your wife Fishing and camping bring great memories In Baxter Forest or Wyoming lakes The “Big One” eluded you time after time And at supper, there were none to bake So many benefit from your work Fiber optic is now worldwide Bell Labs made all that happen Though humble, you should have pride Like a farmer in planting, you cultivated then For how could you’ve possibly known? Like acorns dropped and have taken seed Your family has grown and grown As branches spread out and reach for the sky So too your kids made their way Leaving the nest and building their own You still hold them up, unknowing, each day And now there are many in this family tree From 3 children came 7 grand And now many “greats” and a namesake You’ve had privilege to hold in your hand As an oak is sought after for its mighty strength So many have been drawn to you Your wisdom we long to hold in our hearts In life, you greeted each day anew Thanks Pop Pop for all that you’ve been Your legacy has been planted As center of our family tree and gift from God For YOU we take not for granted Written by: Kerry Nordland Bridges and Walls To Uncle Bill We build them up so carefully Each stone upon another We seal ourselves within our walls No one will be my brother We build them high We build they strong Inside we feel secure Immune from all the pains of life Immune from all life's joy But then Bill came to build his bridge He came with all his tools His quick bright smile And Christian ways Were all that he would need He built his bridge, he breached our walls He touched our very souls He enriched our lives in many ways He was an Angel to behold -Anonymous Sometimes Giants Fall Sometimes giants fall, and we are left here shaking With our emotions breaking like waves against a wall Suddenly they're gone, and everything they've taken Makes this world we're facing feel bigger than us all Burdens they once carried have buried us already Our heads keep shouting "Steady!" to hearts that have grown faint And here amongst the trees so far away from Ready Are prayers and whispers plenty, for we have lost a saint Huddled like the masses, now destitute and weeping We struggle just in keeping our heads above the tide For where there was a giant now lies a mortal sleeping A thousand, broken, grieving, for what is left behind Now amidst the quiet we can't help but wonder If there will ever be another strong enough to fill the space For we can see the gap, the eyes, the teeth, the hunger How the world, it longs to plunder every precious place Sometimes giants fall, and we are left forsaken Hearts and hands both shaking like leaves at winter's call Yes now we're in the wind. Our shelter has been taken! But I can hear them saying they saw giants in us all... Written by: Zach Henken, friend of the Nordland family. Little Things So Many Memories… So Many “Little” Things that are now “Big” Things… Like a Scandinavian Smorgasbord Of herring, wine, and cheese… Of the fresh baked scent of Kathy’s Saffron Bread, Nanu’s Cardimom Bread Or of Swedish yellow and blue. Like the sweet sound of Saliari Of the gospel Messianic Choir… Of jazz and folk music playing in the background of our meal Or a bluegrass tune at Zumas with cold beer in hand. Like a knee to sit on Of a shoulder to cry on… Of a chair sitting right next to “yours” Or hearing your deep resonating voice of approval…“wonderful, wonderful.” Like the pet of a German Shepherd Of telling her “Nope. Nope.” Of a bear viewing from window near Or the color of the sky…Carolina Blue, but not quite… Like a hand being held Of gentle fingers worn Of kind, loving words said in the most patient way Or a Bible laying open for study Like a simple circle-wave as we drive away Of a smile as big as the sun Of a pondering thought, deep and profound Or a “see you later,” not goodbye… So Many Memories… So Many “Little” Things that are now “Big” Things… May we treasure them dear. For Pop Pop By Dan and Kerry Nordland August 25, 2017