Norm O’Connor has a very familiar voice to those who know him. Norm’s voice is strong like his stature and pleasant like his cheerful smile. He’d often come into my office and scare the devil out of me when he’d ask “How are you doing there, fun lover?”

Of course I’d turn around and smile at him; Norm has a contagious way of bringing out a smile in most people.

I never really took the time to think about what it meant to be a fun lover until recently. It’s only a two-word phrase, but lately those words carry a lot of meaning to me. I must give Norm credit for inspiring me to think about living with love in my life and showing it in a smile, something Norm has done a lot longer than I’ve been alive, I’m sure.

So, this article is dedicated to a true Fun Lover, and it begins right now.

Norm O’Connor has lived mostly on North Lake since he was born on May 17, 1932. Norm’s family originally rented cabins on the lake before finally building their first home on Sauer Drive in 1939. To say that Norm has seen more changes on North Lake is an understatement; his love for North Lake remains as strong now as it was for him as a child.

Norm graduated from Chelsea High School in 1950 and had his first real job with Rockwell Spring and Axle. Norm worked there as a stock boy until getting his second job with Bob Fitzsimmons Excavating; they helped build the bridge on North Main Street in Chelsea. Norm fondly remembers finishing that bridge with only two days left before the start of deer season in 1951.

Norm was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean conflict. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, located in El Paso, Texas. Norm was a gunnery instructor and mechanic with two of the meanest guns in our arsenal; the 40mm and the devastating .50 caliber machine gun.

The army liked Norm’s ability so much that they wouldn’t send him to Korea, and Norm was not too happy about that. Norm wanted to go to where the action was, but they wouldn’t let him go; he was simply too valuable to them.

Norm came back to Chelsea after the war and found a job working with another legend in town by the name of Warren Porath Sr. Norm worked on all facets of home construction ranging from brick and mortar work to framing, finish carpentry to roofing.

Norm saw an opportunity to work for the Dana Corp. and jumped aboard. Subsequently, Norm worked at Dana for 30 years and retired at the tender age of 53.

Funny thing about Norm is that he decided real estate was in his future and worked in this industry for another 25 years! He began working with John Pierson and finally retired at the Charles Reinhart Co. about three years ago. Norm and I worked together for seven years before his retirement; we had many wonderful memories together.

Norm’s dad (Frank) got him into hunting at the tender age of 10 years old. Norm fondly remembers hunting rabbit, pheasant and deer with his trusty .22 rifle or 12 gauge shotgun. Norm looked at me with those eyes and said he loved hunting with his dad; they hunted together for 30 years before his dad finally passed away.

Norm got his first deer as a junior in high school and has taken many deer since then. Norm loved to head up to northern Michigan near Lewiston and Mesick. There, he’d spend time with family and friends all while hoping for that big buck to step in front of him.

Norm and I have hunted wild turkey in years past and I was always amazed at his excitement for just being in the woods. He was so happy to be out there; his positive attitude was simply contagious.

Norm met Erma, the love of his life, in 1968 and married her the same year. Both Norm and Erma were previously married. Norm had three daughters and Erma had two daughters. They had five girls between them, and they couldn’t have been happier together.

Erma says she was so humbled by the love the Norm gave to her daughters. She said how he loved them so much, like they were his own.

Norm has other interests in life besides the outdoors. Norm has a beautiful voice and shared it for 40 years singing in the church choir. Furthermore, he loves to play the piano. He could belt out Scott Joplin tunes or any other ragtime music you’d like to hear. Norm is also known for his ability to fix almost anything; he a regular Mr. Fixit.

Sadly, there have been some changes with Norm and Erma. Norm was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His health isn’t what it used to be, but his spirit and love for Erma is stronger than ever. Both Norm and Erma tell me that they’ve had the love of a lifetime, and they’ve loved each other without regret.

They’ve received so many cards from family and friends expressing their gratitude for things Norm has done to help them in years past.

Erma explains that both of them don’t necessarily remember all those things that they’ve done. “Doing the right thing for people is a way of life for us” Erma said. Norm followed up that with a quote that means a lot to him; it goes as follows: “What you cast on the water will come back to you eventually.”

Love is all around you, Norm, and its flowing your way from so many of us who’ve been privileged to know you. You are a man among men, and I thank you for your friendship and mentoring.

Norm has always said to me “Keep your stories coming Ricker; I love to read them”. Well Norm, I’ll keep writing them, you just keep reading them my friend.

Your comments and story ideas are warmly welcomed. Rick Taylor can be reached at rtaylor@reinhartrealtors.com or by cell at 734-223-5656.