Nornan was a lovely man who was unfailingly helpful, good-natured and cheerful in the most difficult circumstances. He was very conscientious with his job as membership secretary, and was a great help to Eamonn in his Green Party work. He must have been a loving and loyal son, too - I remember how he was always rushing to Manchester and back to look after his Mum recently, even though he wasn't in the best of health himself.

I was so sorry to hear about his sudden death, and it must have been a terrible blow to Hazel and his family, particularly as his daughter was about to get married. He'll be sadly missed.

Kathy

 

I got to know Norman especially well as he helped me with casework until his illness meant he just didn't have the energy. He was remarkable for his unfailing kindness and attention to detail. He pursued several difficult cases, supporting the constituent and tracking down officers until the problem was resolved. He also went through a back-log of case-work records, creating and populating a data-base which has been invaluable in analysing issues needing attention in the ward. This was a real labour of love, given my terrible handwriting and it was no coincidence that one of his hobbies was researching family trees by going through ancient archives. He went on to set up a paperless record keeping system which has been shared within and beyond the Green Group of city councillors.

He was a mine of wisdom, having worked in the youth service, for the Royal Mail and run a nursery garden. He has been involved in green campaigns for many years and had a deep understandng of the environmental and political issues. He was always ready to help the local party, playing his part in internal organisation as membership secretary or in meetings and reaching out via canvassing. He was equally generous in his personal life, supporting his elderly mother and devoted to his partner Hazel. She had had some major health problems and which responded to alternative medical therapy. It is ironic that, while she has gone from stength to strength, Norman should develop a serious illness an die. She will miss him very much, I am sure.

Jillian

 

Norman used to work for the Royal Mail.There was an exclusive "Christmas Club" there and to join you had to do a 100 hour week. Norman really put the hours in over the years but his "best" week was 97 hours. In talking about it it was clear that if he had thought about it at the time he would done the extra 3 hours that week just to get into the club. In Royal Mail staff terms he had got within a few hundred feet of Everest but not gone for the top.

He was also a Manchester City supporter through thick and thin. Fairly philosophical as you have to be when Man United have ruled Manchester for so long. But this was to be the season where that all changed and sadly he passed away just 3 matches in.

Eamonn

 

I am sure we will all be shocked to hear the sad news about Norman.
When I spoke to him about 2 weeks ago he was sure that he was on the mend. Hopefully we will be able to attend the funeral.

David

I used to enjoy winding down with Norman in the pub following Green Party meetings. I will remember him as a very kind and wise man, always ready to listen and keen to encourage others.

Graham

I remember Norman in particular before one meeting at my house when his Youth Service experience shone again, as his words of clarity and wisdom helped me gain a different perspective of my teen sons behaviour. His advice, given without critisism or judgment, has remained with me and has often helped me since then.

I know Norman will be missed by all who knew him and I send my love and best wishes to Hazel and all his family and friends.

Ali

I shall miss Norman. He was friendly and kind, and went out of his way to ask how my various enterprises were coming along every time I saw him. His responses to my concerns were always supportive and encouraging, never patronising or dismissive. It was a pleasure to know him.

Judith