I knew Norman in high school. Though I've seen him infrequently since then, I will miss knowing he's in the world. My compassion to his family, especially Becky.

From the very first time I met Norm I knew we would be friends. That Cheshire cat grin and amazing quick wit was endlessly entertaining! Like others have said I would look for Norm in a group just to see what his comment would be after someone (often me) made a goofey statement!
And we thought it was so great that Norm was ALWAYS helping someone out. Jim would come home and say Norm needs a T.V. or a computer or some network wiring or some other work at the airport. We were always eager to help Norm. We enjoyed his emails. And comments. We will miss them.
Weiser Airpark holds lots of great memories for many of us thanks to Norm! Prayers are with you Becky!
We feel so blessed to have known Norm.
We love you and will miss you greatly!

Norman was the truest of friends to my husband, Al.  But I would like to share my personal experience with him.  No matter what silly thing I did, Norman covered me with love.  He would gently tease me and then, proceed to blot it out as if it never happened. I could give you examples, but I will keep them for the people who know me.  He had the most generous, gracious heart.  Anytime he saw a need, he sought to meet it anyway he could.  I cry tears for the loss my husband and I are experiencing with Norman's passing.  I wish I had expressed to him all that he meant to me, but if I know Norman, somehow he knows.  No one can fill the void.  I know that he is with the Lord and looking down on his Love, Becky with a watchful eye.  God bless you my friend.  We love you.  Judy Warrington

Norman was the truest of friends to my husband, Al.  But I want to tell of my experience with him.  He always covered me with love.  No matter what silly thing I managed to do, he gently teased me and then covered it up.  He had the most generous and beautiful heart and anytime he saw a need he did everything he could to meet it.  He cared deeply about his family and friends and quietly showed it.  I cry tears for the great loss my husband and I have experienced and only regret that I didn't tell him what he truly meant to me.  Knowing Norman, he knows.  I know he is with the Lord and has a very watchful eye on his Love, Becky
.

I have lost a best friend.  He was exceptionally bright, an outstanding banker, a great fishing buddy, and the truest of friends.  He was always there for anyone in need.  He had the biggest heart and was always ready to help.  No one can fill Norman's place in my life or in the lives of so many others.  He will be sorely missed.  God bless you my friend.  Al Warrington

You go threw life meeting and knowing a lot of people and rairly you meet one or two that you can call a true friend, Norman was one of the few. We first met when I moved to the beach and found that we shared some of the same interests. Norman was into computers and I knew nothing about them and really diden't  want to know but Norman said that I needed to have a computer and be on line. It was hard to say no to Norman and I can't remember doing so. Next thing I know Norman hands me my first computer and taught me how to use it.Sometimes I cuss him for that cause I buy too much on line, but it has made my life a lot easer. When I got my zero turn mower he wanted to try it out on there lots so I showed him a little about it and off he went. At first it wasn't very pretty at first but soon got the hang of it. When he was done I ask how did you like it, and he complained that he couldn't drink a beer wile mowing. We spent a lot of time on the weekends helping each other when needed and trying to solve all the world problems but I don't think we had much success at that. I hated to see Norman  and Becky sell the beach house but I could see the need to do so. Even after leaving the beach we still talked once or twice a week. I was very fortunate to have him as a friend, there was no better than Norman. I sure miss that guy!

Since I first met him, anytime I'd hear his name, “Uncle Norman,” I couldn't help but smile because of the wonderful thoughts I have of Uncle Norman.  Thoughts of a man who would go above and beyond to help others, thoughts of a man who could say the most witty comments without missing a beat, thoughts of a man who was literally a genius but never made anyone feel stupid, thoughts of a man who would not let me miss round three of a Thanksgiving meal, thoughts of a man who made all around him feel right at home, etc., etc., etc.  Anyone who knew him, was fortunate to know a genuinely, amazing man.  Now that he is gone, tears accompany my smile, because though I know he is in a wonderful place, I will miss him dearly.  However, I have no doubt that he will continue to watch over us and have the same smirk every time Evan makes an "Uncle Norman" comment. We have joked about Evan having many similarities to Uncle Norman, and I would have never admitted it to Evan or Uncle Norman, but I always thought it was quite a compliment, especially when considering how he loved his wife. I pray that in twenty-seven years my husband adores and loves me as much as we all know he did you, Aunt Becky.

One of my favorite things about family gatherings, and taking the exit for Senate Street, was anticipating the one liners that Uncle Norman was going to direct towards the rest of the family...and me.  Like others, it took me until high school to figure out sarcasm and get where Uncle Norman was coming from, but after that point I truly cherished our relationship.  I loved that you could stand by him and you didn't feel the need to talk, just listen, so you could hear and enjoy the genius comments about the family.  Even though he was quiet, he always welcomed the strangers that we brought with us.  From the beginning, he would poke fun at my wife Lisa, then go with her to get that totally necessary third helping at Thanksgiving. I, as we all do, love him and will miss him greatly!

I love you Uncle Norman.

Norman was a great brother-in-law.  Although he never called attention to himself at family gatherings he was always ready to participate in the fun.  He loved to tease but was quick to forward an email about something he perceived might be a threat or concern.  Most of all, he loved Becky faithfully and unconditionally.  He will be missed!

When I think about Uncle Norman, I mostly remember holidays with our family and the amused smile he always wore as he caught up with everyone.  I knew Uncle Norman for a long time before I recognized his incredible generosity to others - often complete strangers.  It took me a long time to realize this because he wasn't loud or showy about it.  Thank you, Uncle Norman, for your example.

I have a lot of great memories of my Uncle Norman, mostly at family gatherings like Christmas and Thanksgiving.  One of my favorite things about Uncle Norman was his humor.  He didn't need to be the funniest or loudest one in the room, but there was a brilliant subtlety to it that always left me wanting more.  Anytime someone in my family did or said something so outlandish that you wish you had been recording it, my eyes would rush to find Norman in the room to see his reaction.  It was usually just a smirk or small laugh to himself, sometimes i'd be lucky enough to get a comment.  I think I enjoyed these so much, because like others have said he was very spot on with his humor.  It was never judgmental or mean spirited.  It seemed to come from a place of pure enjoyment, which is a sentiment I also frequently share about my family.  I will miss trying to lock eyes with you in these moments, Norman.

Becky: Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Norman Bird hired me at River Oaks Bank in July,1980, and it was my first job out of college. He was a great boss, and taught me many things. He was also great fun to be around. My father was in banking in IL, and Norman took the time to meet with my dad(and mom) when they would come and visit. I moved back to IL several years ago, but would occasionally come down to Houston, and had the chance to visit with Norman on a few of those visits. He was always kind and willing to give me advice. I could go on and on, but it suffices to say, he was special.

There are many things I have learned from my Uncle Norman. 1. Go big or go home. Everything Uncle Norman did, he did wholeheartedly with passion. 2. Think before you speak.  When Uncle Norman said something, everyone would stop and listen.  Whether it was giving advice, telling a story or making a smart-aleck comment, Uncle Norman spoke honestly.  Everything he teased me about....he was right in doing so.  Looking back, it makes me smile to think how smooth he was in his joking offense.  There will never be another person like my Uncle Norman and I am thankful for every moment I got to spend with him.  Every scotch I drink will be in your honor, Uncle Norman and I hope to live my life as you did......to the fullest!

I remember Christmas of 1999, our family celebration was at our house.  Everyone brought their assigned dishes and drinks.  After the party got going and no one was paying attention to us, Norman called me into the kitchen to show me a bottle of 15 year old single malt scotch he had specifically brought for me to try.  That's what I remember about Norman.  He was interested in everyone in the family specifically, not just generally.  He always looked for ways to do things for people that would be meaningful to them, without fanfare.  The weekend after Norman passed, Becky and Byrdie were cleaning up the bar at Becky's.  Becky pulled out that same bottle of Macallan which now contained only one or two drinks.  It made me think of that Christmas 13 years earlier.  I told the story and asked Becky if I could have it, to which she agreed.  I took it to our beach house and buried it back in the back of the liquor cabinet.  Later that weekend I was up late by myself.  I pulled out the bottle and the cork disintegrated as I pulled it out.  I poured a short drink and made a private toast to Norman.  “Via con Dios, Norman”.  Go with our great and gracious God.

Norman was a gift to me in so many ways. He welcomed my family into to his. When my dog GiGi would see him sitting in his garage at the beach she would run right to him and wait for her loving and treat. I on the other hand ran to to him for advice,help on my golfcart and many other things. Becky and Norman were the reason we fell in love with Treasure Island.They made  sure we  were inclued in everything !!! Norman was my "Go To Person" for everything . I will always miss him.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                          love , Debi

What I remember best of Uncle Norman was his ability to “hook you up!”  Whether it was helping Cliff with the home weather station, gifting Mitch a computer (cleaned, loaded and ready to go), locating family members when I needed Christmas card addresses or encouraging airport friends to assist his young niece with school trip funds by allowing me to wash their planes (scary thought); he always came through.  Although I didn't see him often, he was always good for a big hug and a smart remark (or ten).  I love you Uncle Norman and look forward to seeing you again!

It took me awhile, probably until I was 14 or so (when my sarcastic side fully developed), to figure out Uncle Norman.  Always the quieter Uncle who kept to himself (at least my impression at a young age), once I started saying sarcastic things and cracking jokes, all of sudden this person I didn't know came alive, and we became a great tag-team making fun of my Mom, Evan, or whomever else was in earshot.  Uncle Norman never took sides - he was glad to poke fun at everyone equally.  I'll miss him for many reasons, but the biggest one will be his fantastic dry humor and sarcastic wit.  We love you Uncle Norman.

I loved that you could always see on Uncle Norman's face that he was just happy to be with family. I didn't recognize it until later in life, but he was always ready and willing to help anyone in anyway he could. What meant the most to me was how he tried to make sure we all stayed connnected as a family ... even as we all grew and ventured out into new lives. But the best thing of all was seeing how he loved my Aunt Becky. Rest in peace Uncle Norman. You are loved and missed!

BECKY:  I was saddened to learn of Norman's passing.  Life takes many twists and turns, but faithe will keep us on course. I will hold you close to my heart and keep you in my prayers.  Marjori Whaley Pearce

BECKY:  I was deeply saddened to learn of Norman's passing.  Life takes many twists and turns but faith keeps us on course. I will hold you close to my heart and keep you in my prayers.  Marjorie Whaley Pearce

I never forget the way Uncle Norman watched his nieces and nephews poke fun at each other at family events. He just nodded his head, smiled and chuckled. He said little, but we knew what he was thinking.  I'll also remember how much love he had for my Aunt Becky and what a great life they shared together.

May he rest in peace knowing he was loved dearly by our family.

Dearest Becky,  Charles and I are so sorry for your loss.  I only met Norman once when y'all visited Mama, but the loss of a life long love of your life friend is traumatic.  Will be thinking of you and the other family as you have the memorial service and beyond.  Remember SC as a good place to visit family when you are ready .   Ann Goff Martin

Norman hired me at River Oaks Bank and I learned a great deal from him and always considered him my friend. Norman and I shared the same birthday which was always a shared sense of humour to us both. Becky, Norman was truly fortunate finding you to be his lifemate and everyone knew how happy you made him. Please take comfort in this.

I enjoyed looking at the photo gallery that shows the wonderful memories of happy times together.  I pray that God will comfort you in the loss of your best friend.

May the good God of comfort comfort the whole family...Romans 15:33

Fair skies and tailwinds Norman.  You were a huge influence on my life and I have tried to live by the example you set for me. You will be missed.

Norm was the epitome of what a friend is supposed to be. He never asked of no one and gave to all. Wether it was his time, attention or knowledge. He was a dear friend to my dad and was held with the highest regard. Norma was there for my family in difficult times. something as simple as a phone call to check on me made things just a little more tolerable.He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Norman was always a real friend at work in banking and a friend at Wieser AP. I am sorry I have not had the opportunity to visit with him in a few years. My heatfelt condolences go to his family and friends.

I was deeply saddened by the news of Norm's passing. I will always remember Norm as a kind, giving, unselfish person who always put others first. His sense of humor and willingness to share all his joy with others will always be remembered. He was a true motivator and support structure in my pursuit of a career I have enjoyed for 24 years.
God Bless Becky and all the of the family. I will never forget what a great person Norm was and what a privilege it was to know him.
Rest in peace my friend.

Wishing you calm seas and tight lines, Norman.

SEMPER FI - FELLOW VETERAN 
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
You are one of our heroes. 
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done. 

I wish to extend to members of your family my deepest sympathy on their loss. May the force of GOD be with them as they walk through this difficult time. May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort them and give them strength.

As a grateful Veteran, I leave my sympathy and hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.

SEMPER FI
U. S. MARINE AND VIET NAM VET

Norm was a true friend to Dick and me.  He was always so helpful and caring.  I will always carry a special place in my heart because of how much he loved and helped me with Dick.  He certainly was an awesome man with many talents which he shared with all.  He is going to be missed by so many but never forgotten.
Jodie Smith

We have great memories of being teased by Norman. He only teased the ones he liked. Pretty sure I was one of his favorites...  I am happy for the time we all shared and wish there could be more.

We already miss our gentle man of few words! I can't count how many times Norman helped Danny and I through a variety of computer issues, or shared information that he thought we would find helpful in some way.  Quietly and most of the time anonymously he would help an organization or a family so that children would not be dissappointed at Christmas time.  We will always remember his generous and unselfish spirit.

OBITUARY

Norman Howard Bird

22 August, 1944 – 21 May, 2013

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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