Bob Norris passed away peacefully graced by the presence of his loving family. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, Bob never forgot his heartland roots. He graduated from Grinnell College with a bachelor of arts in economics and received his master of science in industrial management from MIT. He went on to work for the World Bank in Ghana and Mauritius before becoming a manager at Lennox International, originally a furnace company, purchased by Bob’s grandfather D.W. Norris in 1895.
But it was when Bob decided to train as a Waldorf educator that he began a legacy uniquely his own. Bob came to Great Barrington and, beginning in 1981, served two full eight-year terms as a teacher at the Rudolph Steiner School. He also embraced his civic responsibilities as a Rotarian and member of the Berkshire Hills School Committee. Even more, the impact of his philanthropy and nonprofit board leadership will be felt for generations to come. His generosity and commitment have supported and advanced the work of WAMC Public Radio, The NOAH Center, Multicultural Bridge, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and many other local organizations, including his beloved Berkshire South Regional Community Center, where he was a founding trustee and Chairman Emeritus.
Bob was a fine woodworker and loved to escape to his basement shop where he would craft beautiful pens, boxes, and furniture to give as gifts to family and friends. Bob loved to travel, especially to Norway to see his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He and his wife Mary Ann also enjoyed spending time in Ashville, N.C., to be with his stepdaughter Ariana, who adored him, and her two children, Luna and Torin. And they would always carve out time to see Bob’s brother John and his wife Terry, whether in Texas, Minnesota, or Maine. Bob couldn’t have too much family and friendship, and all who had the privilege to spend time with him—whether as a fellow board member, in the Lift and Lunch Crunch Bunch, golfing at Wyantenuck Country Club, at the poker table, or over a glass of wine—were touched by his generous spirit. His kindness to everyone he encountered is perhaps his most enduring gift.
Bob is survived by his dear wife Mary Ann; his children Nicholas (Wibeka), Christina (Brede), and Stefan; his grandchildren, Tuva, Elias, Daniel Mathias, Victor, Zac, Linnea, Sigve, Jonas, and Eivind; his great-grandchildren, Thalia, Leander, and Nellia; his stepdaughter Ariana; his stepson Nicholas; his step-grandchildren, Luna and Torin; his sister-in-law Terry; and his half-sister Megan. He is predeceased by his brother John. All who knew Bob will miss him, but his legacy is a light that will shine forever.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Berkshire South Regional Community Center. To send remembrances to his family, please visit the website of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home.
