Robert Ruiter Norris, 76, of Shoreham and Bristol, died peacefully surrounded by his children on January 16, 2018 at the Helen Porter Nursing Home, Middlebury, VT. Born May 25, 1941 in Newport, VT. Robert was a Dairy Farmer at Norris Bros Farms for 50 years with his brothers Terry and Gary, as well as a real estate agent in Shoreham.
Retirement in 2007 allowed Robert the opportunity for world travels with the New Horizons Club at the National Bank of Middlebury. He enjoyed trips to Kenya, Australia, Italy, Greece, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama, and many day trips within New England that meant so much to him. Bob fed off the energy of connecting with people, he had a huge smile and heart to match,that saw the best in all whom he met. He carried with him a motto that strangers were just people he hadn’t met yet.
He moved to Bristol in retirement and enjoyed daily coffee with the Old Farts at Cubbers and Bristol Federated Church, along with many church dinners, band concerts and family gatherings. He had many special friends wherever he went. Bob loved his family, loved to laugh and loved life. He will be missed immensely.
Family was his biggest pleasure. One of 15 children, he is pre-deceased by his parents Helen (Buck) Norris and Kenneth Norris, and his siblings Ken Jr, Mahlon, Winston, Vernie, Glen and Richard.
He is survived by his children: Jessica (Brian) Reilly of Canton, MA, Megan (Tommy) Frankovic of Cornwall, Jed (Erika) Norris of Shelburne, Ashley (Ben Trevail) Norris of Middlebury and Alyson Norris of Orwell; Step-daughters Carrie, Amanda and Tammy Munger; his four grandchildren, Anna, Aven, Dylan and Milo; brothers and sisters whom he was very close to: Norma Sheehan, Anita (Ed) Oberle, Jack (Maureen) Norris, Jean (Ted) Konstantino, Dixie Bassett, Gary (Kay), Pete (Dolores), Terry (Diane) Norris, also survived by sisters in law Mary, Rachel, Mabel, Betty, Flora, and Norma Norris as well as many special nieces, nephews and friends.
Services will take place on January 20th at 10 am, at the Federated Church in Bristol, VT. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Helen Porter Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Middlebury, VT. His family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the staff at Helen Porter, UVMHC-PMC, Bristol Rescue and MREMS for their superior care and compassion over the years. To send online condolences to his family please visit brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com