Richard "Dick" Norfolk, 86, entered his heavenly home on December 3, 2025, following a long and courageous journey with Parkinson's disease.

Born on December 6, 1938, in Huron, South Dakota, Dick was the son of John and Ava (Jones) Norfolk and the oldest of six boys, a role that shaped his strong sense of responsibility and leadership. He spent his childhood in South Dakota, where his father served as a teacher, coach, and later Superintendent of Schools. Dick attended Huron College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and played on both the varsity basketball and football teams.

Following graduation, Dick began his career for one year as a high school math teacher and football coach before transitioning into a successful sales career with Pillsbury. His work took him to Minneapolis and later Madison, Wisconsin, where he met and married the love of his life, Pat (Klinke) Norfolk. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and love, raising four children who became his greatest joy.

Dick later held leadership positions with Master Builders, a subsidiary of Martin Marietta Corporation, serving in New Jersey, Florida, and the Northeast. In 1987, he began a remarkable second career as one of the top development and operations executives in the Design Center, Merchandise Mart and Tradeshow industry.  In a "Mart" career that spanned more than 20 years, Dick developed from scratch, repositioned and redeveloped and operated Design Centers, Marts & Tradeshow venues in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Singapore, Amsterdam, High Point, N.C. and Chicago.

After retiring to San Diego in 2008, Dick continued to live out his faith through service, fellowship, and meaningful relationships. He remained active in his community and church, including years of involvement with the Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo. Dick was a man who treated everyone with kindness, dignity, and compassion. His faith was expressed not only in words, but through the way he loved others.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pat Norfolk; their children John (Monica), Jim (Laura), Suzanne (John) Weede, and Michael (Kara); and his twelve grandchildren who were the light of his life: Julia, Emily, Natalie, Andrew, Claire, Nicole, Emma, Eric, Ian, Kate, Jack, and Grace. He is also survived by his brothers Steve (Mary Jo) and Dave (Eva).

Dick's life was rich, meaningful, and deeply impactful. His family is forever grateful for the knowledge passed on and the love he poured into them and for the many lives he touched along the way. He is now whole, restored, and rejoicing in the presence of his Savior. His family rests in the promise of John 14:2–3: "In my Father's house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you."

We are forever grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time. Dick was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose warmth and faith touched countless lives. As we release him into the arms of Jesus, we carry forward his legacy of kindness, humility, and love. Thank you for honoring his life with us.

A Service and Celebration of Life for Dick will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Rancho Bernardo Inn

Santiago Ballroom & Courtyard

17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive

San Diego, CA 92128

Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family in honoring his life, faith, and legacy.

He will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison, Wisconsin,  Summer 2026.  More details to follow.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's honor may be made to the Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation to support the Dick Norfolk Scholarship Fund.

By Check:

Please make checks payable to Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation and note

"Dick Norfolk Scholarship Fund" on the memo line.

Mail to:

Rancho Bernardo Rotary Club Foundation

P.O. Box 28501

San Diego, CA 92198

By Zelle:

Send to: foundation4rbrotary@gmail.com

Please include "Dick Norfolk Scholarship Fund" in the memo.