Norman Austin Vaa died May 15 in Olympia. He was 77.

Vaa was born to Edwin Knute and Ida Larson Vaa in Poulsbo on Sept. 10, 1925. He was the grandson of Knute Vaa, one of the pioneers who homesteaded Poulsbo in the late 1800s.

He married Loraine Stigers on Dec. 27, 1945.

Vaa attended the original Breidablik Grade School and then graduated from North Kitsap High School. He attended Kansas University and Purdue University, then received a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Vaa joined the U.S. Navy in 1943. He captained two ships and saw action in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy, Vaa spent 20 years as a systems analyst for IBM.

Vaa is survived by his wife Loraine Vaa; daughter Cathy Vaa McMinn; brother Robert K. Vaa; one granddaughter; and two great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

A memorial service will be held at noon May 31 at Vinland Lutheran Church in Poulsbo with refreshments in the social hall following.

Memorial gifts may be sent to the Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.