He was the father of A. Walter Norblad (1908–1964) member of the United States House of Representatives from Oregon's 1st Congressional District from 1946 to 1964.

The family emigrated to the United States while Albin was very young, settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Norblad also accepted federal help in solving the dispute between Eastern Oregon's cattle and sheep ranchers.

[11] Taking office during the Great Depression, Norblad's first attempts to improve conditions in the state were largely ineffective.

Lacking a political identity statewide, and considered a progressive by conservative elements in control of the state Republican party, Norblad was defeated in his primary bid in May 1930, coming in second place.

When the winner of the primary unexpectedly died a month later, Norblad took his name out of the running for the nomination, giving the Republican state central committee his blessing to choose a new candidate.

He founded the Lower Columbia Association of Chambers of Commerce, and gained a grant from the descendants of John Jacob Astor for use in the Astoria Sesquicentennial Celebration.

He was buried with his wife, Edna Lyle at the Rose City Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.