Norman DeField

Norman “Topper” DeField passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2026, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 80.

He was born on January 20, 1946, in Billings, Montana, to Floyd and Reubie DeField, the third of their three children. Always an ambitious young man with big ideas, he graduated from high school two years early and went to work for Montana Marina. There he started importing motorcycles from Japan, helping establish what became Montana’s first Honda motorcycle dealership, now known as Montana Honda, Kawasaki & Marine in Billings.

A lifelong enthusiast of fast cars and motorcycles, he purchased a limited-edition 1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire at age 16. One of the world’s first factory-produced turbocharged cars, he traveled to the manufacturer and drove it off the factory floor, wanting to be the first person to take the car’s wheel. He and his friends also enjoyed competing in the Montana State Championship Hill Climb at the South Hills Billings Motorcycle Club grounds.

With his parents’ written consent, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served from 1963 to 1969, earning two Bronze Stars. He often said joining the Navy was the best decision he ever made because it was where he met the woman who would become his wife, Angel. 

In 1969, he married Shau Shan “Angel” Ng of Hong Kong. They later divorced. Together, they had two daughters, Brent and Jasmine.

After completing his military service, he returned to Billings and continued his family’s tree service business, operating it as DeField Tree Service until his retirement.

Topper was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Reubie DeField; his brother, William DeField; and his sister, Marilyn DeField Papke.

He is survived by his daughters, Brent DeField Loftis and her husband, Joshua, of Napa, CA, and Jasmine DeField Berjikly and her husband, Armen, of Burlingame, CA; and five grandchildren: Parker and Stella Loftis of Napa, and Carter, Evelyn, and Christian Berjikly of Burlingame.

He was a beloved father and grandfather who loved the Lord and life. He was a lifelong lover of animals and nature, caring deeply for his cherished dogs, cats, and all wildlife.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal services. A private family gathering will be held instead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Topper’s honor may be made to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, a cause that reflects his lifelong love and compassion for animals: yvas.org/donate-support