Paul, my best friend, so many thoughts, so many
memories, where to start...
at the beginning, in high school when Paul joined Turramurra
High, instantly connected like brothers. Our ideals, thoughts,
likes, dislikes, mischief, music, road trips, houseboats, weekends
of fun and laughter brought us together.
Even as a teenager, Paul lived his life, rising to the challenge
and turning each day into the equivalent of a day and a half,
sharing his vision, purpose and passion for life. Something
many adults have yet to achieve.
Paul was a person of character, with morals and
values, and mature beyond his years. He was the person everyone
got on with, exceptionally likeable and never failed to leave
an impression with anyone that met him, as each of us can attest
today.
Paul was earthy, being kind and generous although
never afraid to tell you what he thought and believed, always
one to help and put himself on the line for you. We celebrated
and commiserated, he saw me through the happiest and darkest
times of my life and for that, I can never thank him enough.
Through all the ups and downs, Paul took the challenge to turn
things around, all it required was good music, which obviously
he would control, a BBQ which he was the undisputed Master of,
good beer, fine wine and finishing off with whatever else happened
to be lying around the place at the time.
Paul did not tolerate complacency, he always did
things to the best of his ability, with a passion and enthusiasm
beyond most people's comprehension. Paul was exceptionally dedicated,
mastering anything he turned his hand or mind to. As a teenager
he loved boating, woodworking and his cars, then later in life
he mastered Real Estate and the renovation game. When the time
was right he was brave enough to embark on his dream career
as a pilot. He recognised his paths in life and tackled them
with absolute energy and enthusiasm.
Paul had two passions in life and both are obvious
to all who knew him well, flying and the beautiful Fi. Like
yin and yang, two souls who grew so wonderfully together. I
vividly remember Paul telling me about this wonderful woman
he had met, you could hear the excitement in his voice over
the phone and he wanted us to get together as soon as possible
for dinner. The minute they walked in, I saw this beautiful
woman and the look in Paul's eyes. It was one of someone who
had just been completed, someone who had found their soul mate
and that is Fi, his heart's passion and obsession.
The saying goes "you don't regret the things
you do, but the things you don't do". This being true,
Captain Paul Norris had no regrets in life and he truly was
a man of his own destiny. I cannot even begin to describe all
the feelings I have, the loss, the sadness, the love, the hole
in my heart. I want to pick up the phone and hear "Hey
Louey". Paul you were my classmate, my flatmate, you were
my best man, an inspiration, you are my best friend, I love
you....until we meet again.
Written and Spoken at Paul's Memorial Service
by Pieter Mackay-Smith
