Captain Paul Norris

1970 - 2005

Memorial Service

Camden Airport – Marquee at Hangar 54

Friday 10th of June – 11am

On this day, which fittingly, was perfect weather for flying - blue skies and unseasonably warm and sunny, a beautiful Memorial Service was conducted to celebrate the life of Paul.

The event was organised and presented with love, devotion and total professionalism, by Fiona Curran-Norris, Lisa Curran, David Fewtrell, Pieter Mackay-Smith and Captain Tony Norris.

On arrival, guests were greeted with the sound of a lone bagpiper playing and the sight of some of the restored vintage planes taking off and doing aerobatics overhead, which we know Paul would have just loved to have seen. Additionally there was a Lear Jet parked near the Marquee, which had most of the large group of Pilot attendees drooling!

Inside the Marquee were hundreds of yellow roses, and a tribute table which held an urn containing Paul's ashes, photos of Paul, the Memorial Service guest book which had been produced as a Pilot's Log Book, along with a Qantas Captain's hat (generously donated and provided by Qantas, in honour of Paul's dream of one day flying a big red kangaroo - all Paul's family acknowledge and thank Qantas deeply for their compassion and for honouring Paul's dream)

The Memorial Service was Conducted by Captain Tony Norris, who did an excellent job of setting the desired mood of the Memorial as a Celebration of Life, rather than a morbid or sombre affair. That is not to say there were no tears, there were plenty, I doubt there was a dry eye in the gathering of family, friends, colleagues and honouraries at several stages... however the Memorial was very much a Celebration of a very funny and much loved man.

Tony opened the memorial by giving the "Forever in our Hearts" Eulogy of Paul's life, from the time he was born right through the various stages and developmental roads that Paul walked confidently along. It was a fine summation of Paul, of his life, loves and nature for those who may not have known him quite as well as his much admired big brother did.

A stunning montage of photos of Paul as a child was then displayed on the large Screen, images fitting perfectly to a track by one of Paul's favourite bands; Dire Straits - On Every Street

Tony then introduced David Fewtrell, Paul's Brother in Law, who delivered an incredibly poetic and moving tribute to Paul that he had written (to be posted in the tributes page on this site) finishing by relating a funny anecdote, which was so typically Paulie, that everyone who knew him could not help but have a laugh!

Major David Knight of the Salvation Army, then led the assembled in a prayer and committed Paul's soul to God.

ISAIAH 40

He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might
he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the
LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk and not faint.

 

The prayer was followed by a candle lighting ceremony. There were 15 candles, one for each of the souls on the plane that fateful day, and one by one, they were lit by those closest to Paul, culminating in Fiona lighting the Candle that represented Paul's soul... this was accompanied by a simple and spiritual version of the song "Danny Boy", and was incredibly moving.

Pieter Mackay-Smith, who was stunningly dressed in kilt and full regalia in honour of he and Paul's shared Scottish heritage, was then called on to give his tribute to Paul, appropriately titled "Tribute to my Best Friend - Captain Paul Norris" Pieter's touching tribute to a man who was for most of his life more a brother than best friend, and with whom he had shared so many of life's experiences, was followed by another montage of photos of Paul on the big screen accompanied by Jimmy Barnes - "Flame Trees"

Following the screen presentation, Kieran a colleague and best flying buddy of Paul's gave his tribute, which was a heartfelt honouring of a fellow pilot, mentor, a man who he considered more a big brother than fellow aviator. Kieren spoke of the flying they had undertaken together, and of the many nights of laughter that he and Paul had shared, and related how he too had fallen prey to one of Paul's many "fake accent" prang calls, such prangs were a source of huge amusement to Paul, - and as they never contained even a hint of malice - always to the intended victim as well. Kieren's beautiful tribute was another example of the love and humour that Paul spread where ever he went.

Fellow Aviators, and close friends Paul Clough and Tim then presented a very humourous tribute, focused on the lighter side of Paul's recent years, his practical jokes, and ever ready smile and big raucous laugh.... along with Paul's love of a well earned beer, and his legendary skills behind a BBQ! Paul truly deserved the title bestowed on him many years previously as "Barbie Master"

Kim Ritchie, Paul's sister then recited a poem in his honour, this was followed by the song "He ain't heavy, he's my brother".

Then it was time for Fiona, Paul's wife to speak of the man who was without doubt the love of her life, as Fiona was for Paul...her composed, eloquent and heart wrenching dedication to the love, life and many adventures they had shared, touched everyone deeply. Fiona's tribute and dedication of love was followed by the final montage of photos of the two of them over the nearly 14 years they had lived, loved and shared together, this was set to Van Morrison's -" Have I told you lately (that I love you)".

Proceedings where concluded within the marquee by Tony thanking the many people who had been involved in the organisation, and preparation of the Memorial Service, followed by the bagpiper played Amazing Grace.

Outside, refreshments were served, and those in attendance stood and watched as overhead a symbolic and tear jerking fly past was conducted, involving 3 planes in tight formation flying very low and then at an appropriate place, one peeling off and disappearing.

Everyone in attendance that day would agree it was a superb and fitting tribute in Celebration of Paul's wonderful life, that beautifully showcased his 2 successful careers, his passions and commitments, the love of his family, and of his friends, his incredible sense of humour, and of course the wonderful relationship he had with the woman who was his soulmate and greatest love.

Afterwards, many guests attended a function at the home Paul and Fiona had shared, it was a wonderful opportunity to share stories of Paul's wit and also to share the sadness we all feel at his loss.

Farewell Captain Paul Norris - FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS...

 

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper were in attendance, and an article appeared on Page 10 of the Saturday June 11th edition of the paper, and is available online for viewing... HERE