OBITUARY
John Norris
2 June, 1952 – 28 May, 2019
John Norris, It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of John Norris on May 28, 2019 at the age of 66. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Annette. Loving father of Teresa (Patrick) Welch, Richard and Jeffrey. Proud Grandpa of Quinn and Owen. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Wendy) Norris. John will also be missed by many friends and colleagues. He was an active board member for several national industry groups and Executive Director of non-profit organizations in the automotive sector. An active environmentalist and organizer, he was awarded as Hamilton Environmentalist of the Year. The family will receive friends on Thursday June 6, 2019 at Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton, ON from 2pm to 5pm. A private family funeral and cremation to follow. Memorial contributions to Diabetes Canada and Hamilton Conservation Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com for the Norris family.
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, 6 June , 2019
Memories
John Norris
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAnnabelle Cormack
June 11, 2019
I met John three years ago when I started working in the auto collision repair industry. I was inspired and amazed by his passion for what he did in that industry, and we spent many a time chatting a great length about his thoughts and contributions. Conversations were lively, thoughtful and intense. I learned a lot about a lot of things from John, as he imparted his knowledge and insights so openly. John was very good to me. He knew I was a newbie, and did what he could to educate and support me as I became more involved in auto collision repair. For all of his efforts, kindness and spirited nature, I am grateful, and very pleased that John became such a valuable industry ally.
Today I took the time to watch the video with all the photos of John, and appreciated having a window into his personal life. There's a glimmer of pride beaming from his face, leaving me no doubt that just as he was passionate about his work, he was even more so with his family.
On June 14th I am participating in The Longest Day Run, an annual event in Vancouver in support of juvenile diabetes. This run is dedicated to John and his family.
My heart goes out to John's family, and everyone who has been impacted by him at some point in their life. May we all find peace in knowing that he leaves a little something with each of us.
Tony Passwater
June 8, 2019
John was such a great guy and a great thinker. He was full of insight and information, and will be a great loss to the Collision Industry.
John and I spoke just a few days before, and as always after talking with him, his insights were always helpful. I will certainly miss these conversations and I am saddened with his passing.
I also wish all in his family my condolences and will keep you in my prayers.
Sayeh Imanzadeh
June 7, 2019
It was a very sad news… My deep Condolences to John's family.
I met John 5 years ago. He gave me a tour to a good bodyshop. He was an experienced, knowledgeable, helpful and hardworking consultant. Since then, we have been in contact every year for reports. He was very cooperative, and caring for the environment.
Rest in peace John!
Sayeh Imanzadeh
Matt Lawrence
June 6, 2019
I met John around 5 years ago when I was first opening up my business. He was not only our first paying customer, he helped us get on our feet by giving us some office work to do while we were getting established. He helped us numerous times with small business advice and was always a pleasure to talk to. We would not be running a successful business today were it not for John's help and for that I am forever thankful.
My condolences and best wishes go out to the family and all those affected by this sudden loss.
Alex Szabo
June 5, 2019
I met John over thirty years ago when he became the Executive Director of HARA,, from day one I was impressed with his knowledge, dedication and commitment to our association. John and I worked together for many years on the Boards of HARA and CISCO, his hard work and contributions are imbedded in the advancement and professionalism of the Collision Industry, not only in Canada but in North America.
May you rest in piece my friend.
John and Lynne Sherriff
June 4, 2019
We were shocked and sad to hear of John’s passing. Fond memories of our group vacations at Chesley Lake some 30 years ago. Our sympathy and prayers to Annette and family. John and Lynne Sherriff
Alison Baker
June 4, 2019
We are deeply saddened at the news of our dear friend Johns passing. John was a friend and a huge advocate for the trades community and ApprenticeSearch.com. John inspired and led by example. He was always willing to help and teach where needed. It was an honor to know and work with John. His passing has left a great hole in the trades community and our hearts. Our deepest condolences to Johns family, who he loved and cherished, very much. We are thinking of you all in this time of sadness.
ApprenticeSearch.com/HIEC
Collision Clinic
June 4, 2019
Our deepest condolences to John's family.
John was indeed a passionate advocate for our industry, he will be missed but remembered with fond memories.
Collision Clinic
St. John's NL
Philip So
June 3, 2019
I am very sorry to hear John's sudden passing. Although I do not see him very often, he is always available whenever we need him for Ministry and City requirements for service and body shop business.
RIP John
RYDING AUTO LTD
June 3, 2019
Our deepest sympathies, from everyone at Ryding Auto Body.
Guy Viel
June 3, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family.
I did not know John for a long time but, every time I interacted with him he was always a pleasant man to talk to. He was always ready to help out when needed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tony Guerrero
June 2, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family.
John and I did not have many interactions but he was always friendly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brian & Marcia Calvin
June 2, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of John's sudden departure. We will cherish the GREAT outings with John and Annette over the years both here and in Barbados. One of our greatest memories is on the "Bajan Queen" party boat with John going down the water slide, he was always up for a challenge. Our sincerest condolences to Annette, Theresa, Jeffrey, Richard and the grand kids. We will miss him dearly. Rest in PEACE John.
Jim Miles
June 2, 2019
Deepest sympathy to the Norris family at this difficult time of loss.
I have had the pleasure of working with John on a consistent basis for the last 29 years in connection with the collision repair industry. John’s unique skills and engaging personality, combined with his boundless energy and passion, were a great benefit to the success of his many achievements.
I will personally miss our lengthy phone conversations and the memorable occasions we worked together planning training events. I shall miss the quick wit, the white hair, the twinkle in the eye, that mischievous grin, the laugh, and the fact that you were always in my corner.
Jim Miles
George Fischtner
June 2, 2019
I’m very saddened upon hearing the loss of John. I’ve known John for over 25 years. We met by sharing common interests in the Collision Repair Industry. He was a great man who never hesitated to give his time whenever called upon. John was a great help to me whenever I was faced with a challenge in my business. He was one of the greatest advocates for the Industry. His caring, kindness,dedication and passion will always be remembered. I sincerely thank you John for everything that you did. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they struggle with their loss
YASER JAFAR
June 2, 2019
Sincere Condolences to the family.
First interaction back in 2013working on establishing my new business and he was very supportive along the way. I remember vividly the day he came to the hamilton store to make a spare key for his wife's Kia, and what a great man to deal with.
May God give strength and patience to the family. Will remember him in our prayers.
RIP John.
Don Teevens
June 1, 2019
I was saddened to hear that John passed away but i have the fond memories of the many years we worked together in an industry we both loved , memories need to be shared and that's what i will be doing to honor this great man .
My thoughts are with you and your family.”
ANDY SOUTAR
June 1, 2019
I worked closely with John during my career with MTO. He was a consummate professional and a wonderful guy to work with. Sad to lose him so soon.
Linda and Wayne cowles
May 31, 2019
So sorry for your loss we cannot make it to the funeral as we will be away, I only met him once and he seemed like a very smart man he will be truly missed.
Dan Oatman
May 31, 2019
To Annette & family
So sorry to hear of the passing of John. May God give you great comfort, peace and strength in your loss.
Sorry, I will not be able to be there in person but please be assured that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan Oatman
John McCormack
May 31, 2019
John was always there to help out the trades, I have had the pleasure of working with him for the last 25 years. The world needs more men like him. He will by sadly missed on a business and personal level. R.I.P. my friend.
Vitor Marciano
May 31, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Norris family. John was a wonderful giving and loving person and I was shocked to hear of his untimely passing.
Like so many who have commented I met John through my participation in the collision industry. John could always be counted on to share his knowledge and expertise and I was one of the beneficiaries of his tremendous efforts.
It was always a pleasure to work with John and I know that his friends across Canada and the US will miss him. I am sure that we will all keep John's family in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed.
Jerry Arnstein
May 31, 2019
My Condolences on this devastating loss.
John was a unique person. I never met him in person, but we spoke on the phone many times.
His kindness, patience and soft-spoken manner were unique.
He will be very sorely missed.
Jerry
JUDY MACLEOD
May 31, 2019
My sincere condolences.
I spoke with John on the phone many times and received many emails re: "estimating tips" through work. A little over a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting him in person at an estimating course in Burlington. I just wanted to mention what an asset to the industry he was and an extremely nice man.
I am so sorry for your loss,
Judy
Joe LOGEL
May 31, 2019
Our thoughts are with the family at this time . John was a great person and a great asset to the collision industry. Very sorry for the loss.
Joe & Sara Logel And the team @ Sutton Speedy Collision Guelph
Barry Dorn
May 31, 2019
John made a huge impact on the collision industry both in Canada and in the United States. I (We) had the pleasure of knowing him with all that he did with SCRS (Society of Collision Repair Specialists) and the affiliates. John was always one with great input and an even better sense of humor. I will truly cherish our time with him and we will miss him dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Godspeed John.
Barry Dorn
Dorn's Body and Paint
Richmond Virginia
Diane Nichol
May 31, 2019
I was sorry to hear of John's passing. Annette and family please know that you are in my prayers. I pray that God will be your comfort in this difficult time.
God Bless
Diane Nichol
Louie Lu
May 31, 2019
We are suddenly shock and deeply saddened to missing a great person.
Our sincerest condolences to his family. Rest in Peace John.
Acme Auto Centre
Louie and all staffs
Pamela Ali (QEW COLLISION CENTRE, OAKVILLE, ON)
May 31, 2019
We at QEW COLLISION CENTRE, are sad to hear of John's passing. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Our prayers are with you. John was a pleasant man to talk to and always very helpful. May his soul rest in peace.
MARY ROBINSON
May 31, 2019
So shocked to hear of the passing of John. I can't remember a time that he wasn't in this industry. Everytime I reached out to him for advice or
assistance he was always ready to help. No challenge was too big for him to tackle. The Collision Industry has lost a great voice. Gary Dunn, myself and the
staff of Brampton Auto Mall Collision send our deepest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be greatly missed.
Michael Blackey
May 31, 2019
On behalf of the Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba (ATA) we all wish to express our condolences to John’s family and friends. As colleagues in the automotive industry we have all been enriched by John’s knowledge, passion and the seemingly endless energy he brought with him. He has left our industry and the world a better place having been in it.
kelly roberts
May 31, 2019
We are completely affected and deeply saddened by the loss of such a passionate and caring, continuously engaged and tireless friend to our industry.
I believe I can speak for everyone who knew him or knew of him, we are less than now without him...yet we are more than for having known him.
We will miss you everyday John...thank you so much sir.
Our sincerest condolences to his family.
Fix Auto North Bay, True North Chev
Fabio Felici
May 31, 2019
Me sincere condolences to the family, John was a great guy with a big heart and always there to help. Rest In Peace John
SILVIA GASBARRO
May 31, 2019
We all had the opportunity to work with John Norris for many years, with all our deepest sincere condolences, he will be greatly missed from everyone at FOURWAY AUTO BODY
Liliana Camacho
May 31, 2019
We have known John for many years, he was always our point of contact whenever we had questions in regards to the industry, no matter what it was he always had answers.
His commitment to the industry and his contributions will be forever missed.
I am still in shock, my deepest condolences to his son and his family.
He will be greatly missed!
CARSTAR Brantford and Brantford West
Elie Daoud
May 31, 2019
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we received the news of passing away of John. Our most heartfelt condolences to the family, may God bless and comfort them during this time of grief
Terry Heinricks
May 31, 2019
We never met John but are so lucky to have had him help us so many times, always patient and doing all that he could to fix any problems that came up. A true gentleman. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Terry and Shannon Heinricks, Terry's Lock & Security Terrace B.C.
Nicole DiBona
May 31, 2019
John was a man of integrity and genuine kindness. He will surely be missed by all in the industry. When ever there was a question, John had an answer, or could get you one in a hurry.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Sandro and Nicole DiBona
High Tech Collision
Charles Brown
May 31, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss.
We knew John through work. We reached out to him from time to time for help and questions. He was always full of excellent information. If he didn't know the answer he wouldn't just put you aside, he would get the answer for you or at least give you all the tools you needed to get the information.
We are glad we had the chance to meet him face to face.
He will be missed greatly.
MARS Collision Team from Kingston, Ontario.
Art French
May 31, 2019
I only knew John as a voice on the telephone. He ran Canada’s Vehicle Security Professional program since its inception. I found him always helpful, always going to bat for our industry and very knowledgeable. I feel a deep sadness at his passing and my condolences go out to his family and close friends
Valerie Luttrell
May 31, 2019
I was so very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was an amazing man with much knowledge and very quick to help out. I appreciated all of the conversations we have had over the years and all of his great assistance. My condolences to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Robert Tavares
May 31, 2019
We are sorry for your loss. John , was such a great person, He will live on in our memories forever. We were deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Phoenix Custom Autobody.
Paulo Santos
May 31, 2019
On behalf of Centennial College and myself, we are sadden by the sudden loss of John Norris. John was a great asset to our autobody program's PAC and will be greatly missed. I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends. Paulo Santos, Chair of the Automotive and Motorcycle programs at Centennial College.
Mike Mario (Regina Auto Body)
May 31, 2019
One memory of John was when I was showing my kids photos of some of the first CCIF meetings, there was a photo of John. My kids eyes lit up and they said, "You were at a meeting with Santa" .
On behalf of all of us at Regina Auto Body, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. John was a great man and the work that he did for the collision repair industry across Canada did not go unnoticed.
Mike Mario
Owner
Regina Auto Body.
John Scissons
May 31, 2019
Sincerest thoughts, prayers and condolences to John’s family, friends, and those close to him. There are a lot of us who are truly going to miss him also. The passion, purpose, sincerity, vision and drive that John pursued and advocated for the industry, apprenticeship programs, and the business climate for all those involved, was second to none. Although we have been separated lately by miles and time, thoughts of the conversations, meetings and years spent with John at NATA, CCIF, SAAR, and eventually CASIS and CIIA never quit reminding me of this professional, passionate, caring individual. The industry and the trades are much better these days, thanks to John’s commitment, dedication, service and efforts.
John - you did make a difference! Rest in Peace, my friend. Thank you John!
Mark Livingston
May 31, 2019
I am saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. I met John in 1997 at an I-CAR event in Vancouver, and I had the opportunity to work with John throughout the years on many initiatives. I will remember him as one of the hardest working gentlemen in our industry; his compassion, committment and energy surrounded everything that he was involved in. My condolences to John's family.
Huw Evans
May 31, 2019
I had the privilege of knowing John since I first became Editor at Collision Management magazine in 2015. He was one of the first people to reach out to me in my new role. I immensely enjoyed every opportunity to chat with him at industry events and Joh was always willing to share is knowledge and expertise with others. His driven determination to make things better in our industry was truly admirable and yet he was always aware of the human impact. Whenever we had an industry topic we felt would be of use to our readers and the industry, I'd often consult with John and he was always eager to lend a hand and provide insight and feedback.
His passing comes with a great deal of sadness to both myself and our team. John made a lasting impact on those that got to know him and he will be sorely missed.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Huw Evans
CHRISTOPHER seagrove
May 31, 2019
john was a true gentleman and all round nice guy. extremely knowledgeable and alway helpful we have lost a true friend and the industry has lost a key person. John will be truly missed by all . Rest in peace my friend.. My condolences to John's Family .
Ronald Tremblay
May 31, 2019
On behalf of the Automotive Retailers Association of B.C. and National Automotive Trades Association of Canada, We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of John Norris. He gave a tremendous amount of himself selflessly to the Automotive industry and leaves behind a huge void to fill. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends at this time. With love and appreciation. Ronald Tremblay, Chairman of ARA and President of NATA
Roslyn French-Sanges
May 31, 2019
Thoughts and prayers with John's family and loved ones.
Rest in Peace John, gone too soon.
Roslyn French Sanges
Ajmer Pabla
May 31, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Norris family on the sudden loss of John. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and colleagues. He was a true champion always willing to go that extra mile for educating, assisting and advising us with his wealth of knowledge.
MERVIN THOMAS
May 31, 2019
It’s terrible to hear about your loss and my sincere sympathy to you and your family. We all will miss you John, Rip.
Raj Lal
May 31, 2019
my condolence to you and family
R.I.P. Sir
Fairprice Auto Reapirs
Terrence Bradimore
May 31, 2019
John had all the hallmark qualities of people who are great at whatever they do: he was always present, always aware, always learning, always passionate, and always reached out to others. He was smart, he was dedicated, and he was fiercely outspoken against the negative forces at play in the industry that he so clearly loved. The collision repair industry was richer for having his active involvement and attention, and it will be significantly poorer in his absence. The hope is that other people will be inspired by John, and carry on his legacy. My condolences to his family. I enjoyed every conversation I ever had with him, and knew him as a thoughtful, reflective individual; I'm sure his passing will be very difficult for those that remain, but I hope that the significance of his widespread contributions to the industry that he loved so dearly will bring you some small comfort during these hard times. He was a good man, and he will be missed by many. Rest in peace, John.
Taylor Khan
May 31, 2019
I've been in this industry now for only 5 years and John was nothing short of amazing, helpful and caring. He chose to see something in me before I saw something in myself and he always provided with the tools (even extra information) to help me move further in my career. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with his family in this horrible time. Thank you John, for everything.
Allan Janssen
May 31, 2019
I will miss John. He lived close by and we would often meet at the local coffee shop to talk about the automotive industry. He always had a unique perspective on things, and more plans than a dozen people could complete! He was generous with his time and his knowledge. He was also patient. He was a good man, and he is gone too suddenly, and far too soon.
-Allan