David Philip Norris

It's been five and a half months since David has been gone. We talked about him a lot at the American Library Association conference this weekend, talked about our memories of him and our sadness that he wasn't at the conference. Thinking of his family and his large community of friends.

Dear brother Phil and family, While we never met your son, our hearts are deeply grieved to hear this news. We are lifting up you and your family in your loss and mourning. May our Father comfort you with his love and peace. We care for you and are praying that Jesus' intimate presence will meet you and your family in this time. Blessings, Peter and Charisa

Having met David only a handful of times at Jason and Matthew’s home I can honestly say David was a rare gem and I was immediately touched by his sweet nature. Avalon could not have had a kinder and more attentive after-school care-provider. David’s charming and gentle presence was a wonderful addition to Poplar Bridge Road and one that cannot ever be replaced with equal measure. On a personal note my one regret concerning David is that I didn’t have more opportunities to enjoy his company. My deepest condolences to all of David’s family, especially to his chosen family who I know loved David as one of their own. Love transcends all and I hope David’s fine example of acceptance and quiet compassion provides comfort and solace during this difficult time.

We lift your family to the Lord, our great Savior and healer. Only He understands your grief and sorrow, being a man of sorrows Himself. Our hearts ache for your loss and the empty spot in your family going forward. We know that only the Lord can make life fill-in and heal your hearts at some future point. For now, it’s only one day at a time, one hour of heaviness at a time. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and those who are crushed in spirit.“ Psalm34:18. As you know, He walks beside you every step of the way, and when it’s too hard, He carries you. With great sympathy from our family to yours.

Dear Julie & Phil: our hearts ache that your beautiful David was taken too soon. We have lovely memories of his joyful and playful spirit expressed as a youth at GCR as a puppeteer and in children’s drama productions. We KNOW he now dances before the Lord. May the good Lord bring you comfort and peace. Dave & Lennie Rickman

I worked with David many times at NWC and appreciated his skills as well as his interest in learning . It is so sad that when he had found happiness in his work his life was cut way too short. He still had much to give. As a parent I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child. I do know the pain of losing a sibling. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Phil & Julie (and family), We are so very sorry for your loss and heartache. May God strengthen your hearts and comfort your souls. May He make His presence known to you when you need Him most. With love and prayers, Kim & Roger Ooms

Phil and Julie, we continue to pray for you, and for answers about all things. May the Lord give you peace beyond any human understanding.