Norm Norlander Passing

Just received the news that Norm Norlander passed away at his home in Kelso, Washington after a brief battle with cancer. I know many of our readers used his Norvise for tying flies.

I have been waiting to post this until I found the published obit. As a member of his informal "pro staff" I got to spend a bit of time with him and will really miss the gentleman. He passed away Sunday night.

Quick story... I put together a thank you frame for Norm for Project Healing Waters, Alaska, a number of years ago. As anyone that knew Norm knows he did a lot of good for that organization! I tried to hide the fact I had put it together. Shortly thereafter I got a small package in the mail with a jungle cock cape hiding inside. Not your ordinary cape either; it is incredible! He included a thank you note, even. What a classy guy!

I am going to miss Norm, he was a great guy.

Larry ---sagefisher---

Sad news. Jim

Condolences to his family and friend. When I first got a NorVise used from one of the members here I had an issue with the rotation of the vise binding. I contacted Norm and he insisted I return the vise for repair even though I was not the original owner. He did not charge me a dime for the repairs or the return postage. I made it a point to visit him at the shows and buy accessories to show him my appreciation. He was a class act and his vise is the best I have ever tied on. May he rest in peace.

Norm was a great person. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the shows. I also enjoy tieing on one of his vices.

I've been tying on one of Norm's vises for the past 18 years and have had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times at shows. Always a gentleman and a first class guy. He will be missed.

Jim Smith

my fly tying took off after my sweet husband bought me a Norvise at a show. nifty thing!
unsung behind Norm was his dear wife who came to every show, every day. quite the picture of strength!