Robert W. Norris

Robert W. Norris
Great Barrington Massachusetts
January 31, 1938-September 12, 2024.

Bob Norris passed away peacefully graced by the presence of his loving family. Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, Bob never forgot his heartland roots. He graduated from Grinnell College with a BA in Economics and received his MSc in Industrial Management from MIT. He went on to work for the World Bank in Ghana and Mauritius before becoming a manager at Lennox International, originally a furnace company, purchased by Bob’s grandfather, DW Norris, in 1895.

But it was when Bob decided to train as a Waldorf educator that he began a legacy uniquely his own. Bob came to Great Barrington, Massachusetts and beginning in 1981, served two full 8-year terms as a teacher at the Rudolph Steiner School. He also embraced his civic responsibilities as a Rotarian and member of the Berkshire Hills School Committee. Even more, the impact of his philanthropy and nonprofit board leadership will be felt for generations to come. His generosity and commitment have supported and advanced the work of WAMC Public Radio, The NOAH Center, Multicultural Bridge. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and many other local organizations including his beloved Berkshire South Regional Community Center where he was a founding trustee and Chairman Emeritus.

Bob was a fine woodworker and loved to escape to his basement shop where he would craft beautiful pens, boxes and furniture to give as gifts to family and friends. Bob loved to travel, especially to Norway to see his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and his wife Mary Ann also enjoyed spending time in Ashville NC to be with his step-daughter Ariana, who adored him, and her two children Luna and Torin. And they would always carve out time to see Bob’s brother John and his wife Terry whether in Texas, Minnesota, or Maine. Bob couldn’t have too much family and friendship and all who had the privilege to spend time with him whether as a fellow board member, in the Lift and Lunch Crunch Bunch, golfing at Wyantenuck Country Club, at the poker table, or over a glass of wine were touched by his generous spirit.. His kindness to everyone he encountered is perhaps his most enduring gift.

Bob is survived by his dear wife Mary Ann, his children Nicholas (Wibeka); Christina (Brede); and Stefan; Grandchildren (Tuva, Elias, Daniel Mathias, Victor, Zac, Linnea, Sigve, Jonas and Eivind. Great Grandchildren (Thalia Leander, and Nellia); Step Daughter Ariana, Step son Nicholas. Step grandchildren Luna and Torin; Sister in Law Terry. and step-sister Megan. He is predeceased by his brother John. All who knew Bob will miss him, but his legacy is a light that will shine forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Berkshire South Regional Community Center. To send remembrances to his family please go to www.finnertyandstevens.com