TRIBUTES FLOW WISDOM PASSED ON A FULL LIFE

NICK Loukas picked up his phone a year ago, shortly after he was named Cairns Chamber of Commerce president.

Bob Norman was on the blower, wondering if he wanted to sit down for a coffee.

Regular visits to Perotta’s at the Gallery cafe followed – most recently less than a fortnight ago – where Mr Norman would pass on insights gained from his own tenure in the chamber’s driving seat.

“I only got to know Bob really well in the last year, but he became a mentor to me,” Mr Loukas said. “He was just so passionate about the Cairns business community and the chamber that he reached out to me and offered to help.”

Bob Norman’s unexpected death during his sleep at home on Wednesday night has shocked family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.

The 71-year-old will be remembered for his unfaltering dedication to the Cairns community, leaving a legacy that will persist for generations.

He served as president of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce from 2000-2007 and chairman of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health board from 2012-2015.

He was an outspoken supporter for higher education in Cairns and served on the James Cook University council and numerous other taskforces and committees.

Born on April 28, 1947, Mr Norman worked in several industries before turning his mind to property development in 1984.

With a sharp intellect and attention to detail, he flourished in business and looked for other ways to contribute.

Following in his aviator father Sir Robert Norman’s footsteps, he was an active member of the local aviation community and held both a commercial helicopter and private aeroplane pilot licence.

He used them to the fullest, getting a bird’s eye view of the city and region that he loved whenever and wherever possible.

Like the rest of the business community, Mr Loukas was shocked by his friend and confidante’s sudden passing.

He picked up no indication Mr Norman was anything but hale and hearty during their last conversation.

“You can’t replace the wisdom he had,” he said.

“But those sorts of people, they made sure their wisdom was passed down.”

PROGRESS: Bob Norman, when he was Cairns Hospital chairman, with a model of the upgrade.

FAMILY: Bob Norman with sisters Julie Ryan, Wendy Richardson and Lindy Shepherd and father Sir Bob.

DAINTREE: General Peter Cosgrove, Bob Norman and Roger Phillip of Australian Rainforest Foundation.

Picture: DAVID ANTHONY DEVOTED: Bob Norman and his wife Diane.