Obituary of Norris Norval Bick

Norris Norval Bick, beloved husband of Sandra Follett-Bick, of Calgary passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 22, 2005, at the age of 68 years. Norris was born in Lloydminster, SK, and educated in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He counted himself fortunate to have had two “hometowns” – Kerrobert and then Maple Creek from whence he graduated. Norris was a broadcaster, musician, actor, singer, sportsman, and environmentalist, as well as a true and caring friend. Following seven years of radio and television private broadcasting in Prince Albert, Swift Current, Medicine Hat, and Calgary, he joined the CBC in 1966. He demonstrated great appeal to radio listeners via regular news broadcasts and as a host of Wild Rose Country, A Little Night Music, Late Night Classics, and Jazz and Opera music programs. Early TV watchers will recall him as the Weatherman at the launch of Calgary CBC TV in 1975. Norris’ professional music career began in high school playing the saxophone with his own dance band. He played big band, combos and jazz throughout his life wherever he lived. Following his move to Calgary, Norris received an Opera scholarship and subsequently performed in eight operas. Fans will remember him for his stage performances in The Sound of Music, Oliver and as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Sports held high appeal for Norris all his life. As a youth, he excelled in track and field, baseball, hockey, soccer, and swimming. Though he also loved hunting and fishing, golf was his passion. Norris was a member of the Masonic Order, The Scottish Rite, Al Azhar Shriners (Chanters, Vintage Cars, Jazz Band), Royal Canadian Legion, life member of ACTRA and Calgary Musicians Association (AF of M) and Confederation Park, McCall Lake and Legion Seniors Golf Clubs. His love of God’s natural world was epitomized by his enjoyment of a rustic wilderness cabin, camping, and his ardent dedication to environmental causes. In spite of many years of health challenges, Norris truly seized every opportunity to experience living and to enrich the lives of friends and family with his humour and support. Norris will be sorely missed. Norris is lovingly remembered by wife, Sandra; sisters, Joan (George) Montain, and Claire (Ross) Pollock, all his cousins, nieces, nephews and his many, many friends. In accordance with Norris’ wishes, he will be remembered at a Wake and Musical Reception to be held on Monday, June 13, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the RK room, Royal Canadian Legion (#264, 1910 Kensington Rd. NW). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial Tributes, in memory of Norris, may be made directly to Performing Arts Lodges of Canada (PAL), c/o Pal Toronto (in trust for PAL Calgary), 110 The Esplanade, #328, Toronto, ON M5E 1X9 or the charity of the donors choice. In living memory of Norris Bick, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W., CALGARY. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.