For anyone that spends time over on ....

[Tim Diebert]

the Wooden Boat Forum.

Norm died a few days ago. Quite suddenly.

He seemed to be a chap of the finest kind and although I never said a 'word' to him, I will miss him. :cry:

[Guest]

Norm spoke quietly with his actions. Meeting him for a quick stay overnight, in his house made a lasting impression upon my son that he would remember for the rest of his life. Norm shared his love and the love of boats with his surroundings like few others that I have ever known.

This is a link to some of his album. You may need to be a member of imagestation to log into it.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292123583

[Russ Sylvester]

I saw that over on the WoodenBoat and Trailer Sailor. What a shock, I only 'spoke' to him once a long time ago about some plans but wow, what a guy. Just goes to show what quiet determination can accomplish. Will miss him.

Russ

[PAR]

Norm Messinger? He just completed "Prairie Islander" the Iain Outhtred's Farne Islander design this winter. What a damn sin, he was a real nice fellow. My heart goes out to his family and friends, he'll be sorely missed. I'm glad he got to splash his much loved and labored over "Prairie Islander" and enjoy her for the short time he could.

[Frank Hagan]

"Prairie Islander" was just featured in the Wooden Boat Magazine's "Launchings" pages.

Norm was a class act; I posted to him a few times. I remember seeing the pics of his work on his boat ... hand made blocks, etc. I think he enjoyed building his boat, and seemed like a pretty happy guy.

[Dave R1]

Norm was indeed a special man. He helped all his "grand neighbors" build boats for themselves.

He sent me some line for the cradle boat I built for my son. All he asked in payment was a cup of coffee. I was looking forward to meeting him at the Minnesota Messabout in a few weeks and being able to buy him that cup.

FWIW, although Prairie Islander was just featured in WB's Launchings, it was launched in 2003. Norm got to sail her in quite a few places including Wyoming, Maine and Wisconsin.

He also built several other boats for himself.

Norm had a lot of friends all over the world. I for one will certainly miss him.

[Konrad in Lincoln]

Cripes, and Jeebus Jones!!!

He just lives up in Omaha, we traded e mail 10 days ago about the next Boats of Wood gathering at Lake Cunningham. And I have to find out on the internet?!? :cry:

[Greg Luckett]

Cripes' date=' and Jeebus Jones!!!

He just lives up in Omaha, we traded e mail 10 days ago about the next Boats of Wood gathering at Lake Cunningham. And I have to find out on the internet?!? :cry:[/quote']

Sad news indeed :cry:

Konrad, perhaps you can still make the funeral?

[Wild Dingo]

The loss of Granpaw Norm has been a heck of a blow felt even way downunder in Western Australia. Norm was one of the best fellas, ages ago when I was totally and utterly confuse and bewildered by the plethoria of boat designs around he quietly sent me a email asking for my address as he had a small gift for me, a matter of a few short days later a small package turned up return senders name Norm Messinger of Omaha Nebraska USA I couldnt believe it! Opening the package up showed the photocopied plans for the 6 hour canoe that was in Woodenboat some time ago with some small hand written notes attached and the very short cover letter saying

"Hi Shane heres the plans for the 6 hour canoe maybe you can start your boat building with this easy one then build one each for the hoons and some for the grand neighbors" after many days of procrastination and arguin with myself I got stuck in and built the thing!

Granpaw made a simple comment in his respond to my thread "Well done grasshopper now make some more"

A quiet unassuming gentleman with a wonderful wife and family I wish I could have met in person, quite encouragement from afar offer of trust in abilities unknown and the sort of fella anyone would be proud to have known

Valle Norm Messinger may your journey to Valhalla be smooth and fair