Kirk Douglas Norman

Kirk Douglas Norman, 60, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 21, 2013 in Muskegon.

Kirk was born on Thursday, May 21, 1953 In Grand Island, Nebraska, the son of Melvin E. and Louise M. (McMahon) Norman. He moved with his family to Michigan as a small child. He graduated in 1971 from Clarkston High School.

A salesman for Frito Lay, Kirk served stores in the Traverse City area. He seemed to know everyone, and if he didn't, he was quick to introduce himself. He was a man who was a friend to anyone and would do whatever he could to be of help. He was a gifted gardner, and loved to spend time in his gardens. He had been an active member of the Cherryland Garden Club and worked on many projects around the area planting flower beds along the parkway and other locations. He loved to hunt, trap and ice fish and especially enjoyed summers on his boat on Lake Leelanau.

Kirk is survived by his friend and companion, Mary Vickerman, his sons, Chris (Jonquil) of North Muskegon, Nick of Chicago and Tyler of Cedar; grandchildren Brennan and Myles Doty; mother Louise Michaels of Waterford, siblings, Gary (Kathy) of Clarkston, Karen Sue (Keith) Mueller of North Carolina, Terry of Lake Ann and Tammy (John) Linder of Clarkston, along with nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Kirk was preceded in death by his father, his stepfather Paul Michaels and a brother Larry Riddle.

Visitation for Kirk will begin at 12 noon Tuesday at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home. Pastor Justin Grimm will officiate and burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

As Kirk loved to garden, the family asks that he be remembered through memorial donations to the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or online at www.arborday.org and proceed to the Tree in Memory page. Kirk's love of life continues through Gift of Life Michigan Organ and Tissue Donation.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Kirk with his family by way of his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.