On July 23rd our friend, father, and husband Nick Norville, 66, shuffled off this mortal coil and transitioned from the crippled old man he had become to his natural being of a free spirit, in his favorite Dingo boots, Levis jeans, a guitar slung over his back and a joint to his lips, walking down a country road.
Nick was born in Roseburg, Oregon in 1955 while his father worked in a nickel mine. Shortly thereafter, they moved back to Galesburg, IL where Nick grew up and spent his youth pushing the boundaries and expanding the minds of those who knew him. He was a hippie at heart to the very end.
A skilled carpenter and siding applicator, he loved his work, being outdoors and transforming people's homes. His favorite crew partners were Robin Elliott, Dan Bravender, and Rick Tribett.
In October 1980 Nick's life changed forever in a car accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. As fate would have it, he met the love of his life, his nurse, Sharon Beck, at the hospital, and they were married for over 40 years.
Nick's next miracle came with the birth of his son, Nathaniel, who was his pride and joy.
Nick enjoyed many pastimes, and a favorite was calling the T-C line to leave another cryptic message on the state of the world and humanity.
His greatest achievement he would say was teaching Nathaniel to read. Together they read everything from Redwall to Harry Potter to John Steinbeck to Hunter S. Thompson and so much more. What an adventure they shared!
Over the years, his condition took its toll, despite his vegetarian diet, his devotion to Buddhism, and his daily meditation practice. As he often said, "l want to slide into home plate thoroughly used up!" And he met his goal.
It is with grieving hearts that we say to Nick "If I don't meet you no more in this world, then I'll meet you in the next one. And don't be late."
Nick is survived by his ever patient wife Sharon, his gonzo son Nathaniel (Sage), his best friend and brother Kevin Norville, sister Shawna, his budding Buddhist niece Billi Fox, his cherished weekly coffee buddy Don Schneider, nephew Jason Norville and family, niece Kylee and her new family, and of course Sophie and Sam, as well as the many cats, birds, and squirrels in his front yard that he enjoyed feeding.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Mera Norville, his favorite uncle Rich Norville, grandparents Rita and "Pop" Reed , and multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
As per Nick's wishes, there will be no funeral service. We will celebrate his life every day. Nick often reminded us "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." And so was Nick.
Let the good times roll, Nick!!
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