We believe this was the wonderful Miller who taught me piano so many years ago. Wondered why we didn't receive our Christmas card. Warm thoughts to his friends. 
Douglas and Marie Williams

Mr. Norrie,

You have been a part of my life for 29 years. I remember playing on your driveway when I was young, drawing you elaborate works of art with my chalk - though I'm sure you probably didn't consider it art as I did.  Your house was first on my list at Halloween, and was treated with the same vanilla wafer bars every year. It didn't have to be Halloween to get them however, there was always a stash available for after a visit. I always knew it was you driving around the neighborhood. You had the same car for as long as I can remember, always waved and then in later years - always ran that same stop sign. I guess you figured you had stopped at it enough over the years…. Every Christmas there would be an envelope in our tree with your writing on it. Amanda – one name that was never forgotten or replaced! Don't worry, my siblings never took it personally, it will be a happy memory that wont be forgotten. With that $10 I would go spend it on whatever I wanted, usually a day at the movies after which I would write you a thank you letter and include a recent photo of myself. You must have cared very much for us, possibly thought of us as your grandkids because one day I was in your house for a visit and what did I see? A wall full of those pictures and notes from myself and my siblings. You had kept every last one. 98 is a very long time Mr. Norrie, so many things have changed in that time. We grew up, so much so you couldn't recognize me anymore when I came to visit. I wonder if you thought it strange that 2 girls were going door to door handing out cranberry bread and handing back wallets and passports left outside.  I know that in the last few years, my visits probably caused you more confusion than anything. I wasn't the same person in those pictures. That's ok, it didn't matter, you were the same - always had the same “hello!” and always answered the door with a smile. Though, I did miss leaving without my vanilla wafers.  You were a constant presence in my life Mr. Norrie, you were a grandfather to me. I will miss you very much and hope that you will find peace in what life has for you beyond death. Know that I will always remember you, assume it is you driving through that stop sign in that burgundy car and think of you every time I pull out a $10 bill to pay for a movie.

Dear Mr. Norrie,

Although I was sad to hear the news that you had passed, it makes me happy to know that you lived such a long and meaningful life. I will always remember when you used to come by the house around Christmas time and drop off an envelope for each of my siblings and I. Every year it was the same gift, a crisp ten dollar bill. After the hectic joys that Christmas morning brings, my Mother would hand each of us a thank you card and ask us to fill it out. We were always told to mention what we would be spending the money on. If I could read those now, they would tell the story of my life. My purchases went from candy to textbooks, from hockey sticks to laptops and everything in between. And although I changed throughout the years, you remained the same nice neighbour with an infectious smile. 

So now it is with a heavy heart that I write you a final thank you note. I thank you for your years of Christmas presents. I thank you for making me smile whenever we spoke. I thank you for always being so kind and showing me what the true meaning of community is. Most of all, I thank you for being you. 

Love,

Sincere Sympathy to family and friend's of Mr. Norrie.  We met Mr. Norrie during our visits with Steve and Peg.  Mr. Norrie was the meaning of a true Gentleman.  Sincerely, Blair and Linda Garnhum, PEI.

Sincere Sympathy to family and friend's of Mr. Norrie.  We met Mr. Norrie during our visits with Steve and Peg.  He was certainly the meaning of a true Gentleman.  Sincerely,  Blair and Linda Garnhum from PEI.

I grew up 3 doors down from Mr. and Mrs. Norrie and have very fond memories of sneaking around to the side door with Amanda, Norrie's attached neighbour, for maple-flavoured cookies!  Every young kid should have "street grandparents" and we were very lucky to have ones who enabled our sweet tooth! Mr.Norrie was a street "staple" and his waves from the end of the driveway and smiles that could be seen doors away will definitely be missed!

Dear Friends: Sorry for your loss.  Miller is in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss our visits and going out to eat at his favourite place when we are in Toronto. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Audrey and John

OBITUARY

James Miller Norrie

July 9, 1915 – January 12, 2014

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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