I arrived home from Los Angeles this morning to learn that my friend Tony Norman has passed away on Christmas eve after a long battle with cancer.
I worked with Tony for a short time at Meekatharra in Western Australia while I was based there as a pilot with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Tony was an unofficial icon in the area after serving there for a number of years. Prior to the Flying Doctors, Tony flew a myriad of roles in Victoria, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific in a variety of aircraft types. He was an amazing pilot and always the consummate and passionate professional. Most of all, he was an incredible friend to all that new him.
Tony Norman: October 9, 1955 - December 24, 2009
Tony’s Facebook updates and phone calls didn’t reflect the true severity of his illness. He always managed to be surprisingly upbeat and lived every second of his life with the kind of tenacious passion that would make Randy Pouche proud.
Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, 30th Dec. 2009 at 10 am. St. Mary’s Church East St. Kilda , 208 Dandenong Road St. Kilda. Doris has asked that a donation to the RFDS in lieu of flowers.
RIP Tony. You are and will be forever one of my best friends.
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I found this post by luck. I’m sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He was a brilliant man that will surely be missed by all of his many friends and family.
As his older sister though Tony’s final “lift off” has hurt deep it has been such a strength to know that so many have been touched by not only his professionalism but also his personal self.
Peter Macc hospital staff were absolutely wonderful – they were and still are a strong support for all effected by this disease.
RFDS – what can I say. Though Tony was just an employee (who very much loved his job – a passion more than a job), it was they who helped Tony battle through this war for such a time. If they hadn’t been so compassionate Tony would have given up a long long time a go.
Doris, what can I say a tower of strength, where I could not be.
Friends – from early in his life to the end they were there telling tales that even I hadn’t heard.
So in finishing, I thank you from the bottom of my “hurting” heart and very big THANK YOU to one and all.
Marie
PS Thanks Tony, now I’m the youngest…
I sit here reading your post in tears, Marty. Behind the tears though I find myself laughing out loud thinking back to the times we had together. Tone, you were a joy to know. You were God’s gift to anybody that knew you and I’ll remember you for your amazing nature, great humor, professionalism, passion for life and valued friendship. Marie, my prayers and thoughts are with your entire family. Tony leaves us with more memories and stories than most people could accrue in a dozen lifetimes. RIP Tony.
RIP Tony. Miss ya mate.
Tony was a good friend and he will be missed. RIP Tony.
Sorry Tone mate just found this site. May you RIP, although knowing you that would be very hard to believe! Still can’t believe your gone and keep expecting you to call with some good goss!
Cheers mate see you in the next life
DP,BP&OJP
I’m so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. He was a good friend when we worked together and his patience and great teaching style helped me with my theory when I was starting my own flight training. Where ever you are buddy, happy flying and thank you for your help all those years ago.
Sacha