Bob Norman fought for city

THE sudden death of businessman and developer Bob Norman has come as a shock to the community of Cairns.

He was just 71 and still actively involved in business and community affairs.

Bob Norman may have been the big end of town but he also was passionate about two aspects of life that concern us all: health and education.

He was greatly influenced by his late father, Sir Bob Norman, but he carved his own way in the world as a savvy and successful businessman.

He was a prolific investor and developer. He was generous with his time and money.

Mr Norman enjoyed flying, like his dad, especially a helicopter he flew for business, pleasure and for the good of the community.

His father helped establish the region’s first university, James Cook University at Smithfield, and Robert junior became heavily involved in the campus too as a board member.

Mr Norman fought hard for Cairns as a former president and life member of the city’s Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of the Cairns Hospital board.

He still played an influential role in the chamber until his untimely death.

Mr Norman was a big supporter of the LNP and was fervently involved in election campaigning, particularly for Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

He was an extremely fierce campaigner for Cairns, its success and its development.

The Far North has lost another long-time and proud resident who helped make the region a better place. We are richer for him and now poorer without him.

The Cairns Post expresses its condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Nick Dalton Deputy editor