Norman Arthur Eastbrook Williams (4 Jun 1941 - 8 Sep 2018)

It's taken me some time to work out what I wanted to say here. I guess most of all I'm proud to say that Norman was my friend. I first met him through my wife Wendy and her KAB art group. We would chat about all sorts of subjects but it was when we talked about music that we really bonded. Norman was an absolute treasure trove of knowledge and I learnt so much from him about artists and bands I thought I knew stuff about. And then there were the artists I'd never heard of but who I now count among my favourites. Norman was almost exactly the same age as my own father and I often commented to him about how I wished my dad had his musical taste and collection (not that my dad likes bad music - but he hasn't even heard of Frank Zappa!)

One day when visiting Norman, he mentioned that he had something for me and gestured towards his record collection. He explained that he wanted his collection to have a new life with someone who would really appreciate them. I was/am humbled to be the person that Norman chose and I am constantly finding new delights.

Thank you Norman. I'll never forget you. In your memory, I'm off to listen to and lose myself in Trout Mask Replica :-)

Rob x

Norman will be sadly missed by his friends in the Art Group

In loving memory of a dear friend,

Norman

Hans & Evelina

As you will have learned, Norman took part in many quizzes against a variety of teams across Kent and Medway. He played a prominent part, contributing more than his fair share of correct answers and (during our years of success) our team, the RBBG Blind Quiz Team, was feared and revered as a truly formidable ensemble.
Hans, Evelina and Norman were then invited to join the Halling team (HALARA) in the annual quiz
and we managed to win against more than 60 teams
I was a keen quiz compiler, but I would contact Norman and ask for a couple of clue to complete the latest quiz…
Usually, the phone would ring and at the other end of the line would be Norman’s voice.
“Hans, about that last question… I’ll get back to you on that …

As you will have learned, Norman took part in many quizzes against a variety of teams across Kent and Medway. He played a prominent part, contributing more than his fair share of correct answers and (during our years of success) our team, the RBBG Blind Quiz Team, was feared and revered as a truly formidable ensemble.
Hans, Evelina and Norman were then invited to join the Halling team (HALARA) in the annual quiz
and we managed to win against more than 60 teams
I was a keen quiz compiler, but I would contact Norman and ask for a couple of clue to complete the latest quiz…
Usually, the phone would ring and at the other end of the line would be Norman’s voice.
“Hans, about that last question… I’ll get back to you on that …

Norman will be sadly missed.

Thanks for all that you did for Norman and others.

Norm was one of those rare people who immediately came across as immensely likeable. Although I can't remember what we first said to each another, whatever it was established a connection, one that lasted for very nearly fifty years and is still there.

It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to say a few words about Norm, but in truth something as big as the whole of Encyclopedia Britannica isn't enough to hold all his knowledge, wisdom and insight.

For all that, Norm was always open to what other people had to say; to what they liked or disliked; to their views on everything; and, on a practical level, the techniques they used to get a particular result, be it to do with the work we did, photography, cookery, DIY or whatever.

Norm's sense of humour was an extension of his love of language, music, literature and all forms of art. Everything was spontaneous, with his one-liners being really funny and often providing food for thought.

For me, the sense of loss is eased by thinking of him now being part of an elemental energy that is an infinite extension of life in all its forms. I can't describe this energy in religious or scientific terms, other than to say he doesn't feel lost to us, or we to him.

Norm wouldn't want anybody to remain bowed by sadness, so I'm going to end with something from another Captain Beefheart song, one which includes this: "Boys and girls, Earth people around the circle, Mixtures of man alive. Big eyed beans from Venus, Don’t let anything get in between us." And this: "Beam in on me baby, and we’ll beam together...."

Well then, maybe Norm is still connected with us whilst beaming his way around the universe. For sure, he will be greeting every big-eyed bean he meets with "hello mate".

Jim

Norman. What a great bloke

Will be sadly missed

Thank you for your wonderful support to those in need.

Thank you for all the wonderful support you give to those in need.

In memory of Norman Williams. A friend with whom we spent many hours of laughter, music and beer. Safe journey Norman, you will be greatly missed. Love Neil, Karen, Chris and Emma. xxxx

Norman. Thank you for and the friendship, counsel and hours of laughter. We have so many fond and special memories involving comedy, music and beer. Wherever you are now....safe journey. Neil, Karen, Chris and Emma. xxxx

In memory of Norman Williams, possibly the funniest man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Will miss you Norman. Thank you to the Wisdom Hospice who continue to offer a special care for those in need

Norman. Thank you for your friendship, humour and great taste in music. The Fitchett family have so many fond and special memories of you. Where ever you are now.....keep them laughing! Love Neil, Karen, Chris and Emma. xxxx