12. | NORRIS, Michael Frederick (3.Helen2, 1.Marion1) was born on 9 Sep 1966 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY; died on 1 Apr 2021 in Cheektowaga, Erie County, NY. Notes:
Michael Frederick Norris
September 9, 1966 - April 1, 2021
Michael Norris (54), longstanding resident of Cheektowaga and recently Belmont, NY passed away on April 1, 2021 after an extended illness. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on September 9, 1966 and graduated from LaSalle Senior High School.
Life is a series of moments. Most are fleeting, with a mere few rising to the level of notable permanency. Mike had many such moments. The paths he chose for work provided a broad range of experiences. His jovial and memorable personal interactions enriched the lives of his family and friends and all who came in contact with him.
Highly intelligent, Mike used his many talents to serve his country. Mike served as a Russian Linguist in the Air Force, had a Top Secret security clearance, and flew multiple missions. While stationed overseas, he traveled widely in Europe and was a member of a British rugby club.
Following his honorable discharge, Mike returned home to the USA. He later accepted his B.S. Degree in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University, which he worked on while serving overseas.
He secured a position as a bid proposal writer to respond to Request for Proposals (RFPs) for large-scale, multi-million dollar, long-term government contracts. He subsequently decided to open his own proposal writing consulting company, Norris and Associates, Inc. His client list included Raytheon Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the Wackenhut Corporation, among others. A lifelong learner, he obtained a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt during this time (for business, not karate!).
Seeking yet another new challenge later in life, Mike decided to obtain a law degree. It enabled him to realize a lifelong dream and potentially expand his company’s services. He worked diligently to attain that lofty goal and was rewarded with a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2017.
On the personal side, Mike was well known for his humor and quick wit. Mike had a talent for instantaneously interjecting a perfect phrase to elevate a seemingly inconsequential random moment to legendary status. Such phrases will pepper conversations amongst his family for years to come.
Mike was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. Just sayin’ - for the Sabres playoffs in 2006, he camped out for tickets and famously earned the moniker “First in Line Guy” – and provided entertaining media interviews that his family recalls to this day. He scored tickets on the glass and flew his sister, brother, and nephew up for the game.
Mike also loved the outdoors. Fishing and boating were favorite activities in Florida, the Buffalo-Niagara region, and Canada. He was also an avid skier and golfer. He skied in the Southern Tier of New York as well as the Pacific Northwest. He climbed Mt. Adams in Washington State and rafted the lower Deschutes River in Oregon.
Mike was also a natural entertainer. Wherever he was, he would own the room. He was gregarious with impeccable comedic timing and a booming baritone voice. In addition to smaller family and friend gatherings, he could speak in front of a crowd and have everyone laughing.
One of his greatest joys was embracing the role of Uncle Mike. He strove to ensure that his nieces and nephews knew they were the most important people in his life when they were together. Whatever particular situation they found themselves in at a given moment, he went the extra mile to ensure they had a memorable time. Life is all about moments, and Mike always rose to the occasion and set the bar.
Mike is survived by his siblings Cheryl Germain (Michel), David Norris (Janey), Mary Norris, Julie Norris (John Gamon), Jennifer Abbott, and Rita Norris (fiancé Jeffrey Newcomer); his nephews Derek Germain (fiancée Melanie Lebel), Ryan Gamon, and David Norris; nieces Carla Travis and Jessica Norris; great-nephew and great-niece, aunts Marilyn Raymond (Dave) and Nancy Neff; and cousins Jim (Holly) and Dave (Amanda) Repsher, and Jason and Jeremy Neff. He was preceded in death by his parents David Norris and Helen Bremner, and his uncle Don Neff.
We laughed, we cried, we ran the gamut of human emotion. Most of all, we loved ya! Always will. Godspeed, Mike!
Services will be held at Lane Funeral Home in Niagara Falls, NY on April 6th, 2021 from 4pm – 7pm. For those out of town or unable to attend, a virtual link will also be provided.
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