August 16, 1939 - June 6, 2014
Thomas N. Norris, MD age 74, of Mendota Heights. Husband, Father, Friend, Pediatrician, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather. Passed away on June 6th, 2014, with family at his bedside, after a noble 10 month battle with non-smoker lung cancer. Survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Beth Kaye Bennington, and his four children Kathrine Norris Paries, Kristina Wright, Andre and Jascha Bennington. Loved by his sisters Kathryn Norris and Kristine Stinson, and sister-in-law, Beverly Bennington, and three grandchildren Nicholas, Dakota, Kaitlyn, and nephew, Evan, and his stepmother, Hilde Virnig, MD. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Miriam and Howard Harvey, and Neil Thomas Norris.
A deeply loving, devoted husband, and father. Tom set an example for his children to understand the grace of God. Favorite recreations included walking, reading, biking, gardening, and spending time with his family. He appreciated the arts. Born in Caledonia, Minnesota. Graduated from Wilmar HS, Hamline University, and Stanford Medical School. Internship at Kings County Hospital, NY. Residency at the University of New Mexico. Private practice in Santa Cruz, CA and Albuquerque, NM. Tom was a leader and visionary in pediatric care. He pioneered program development for Whole Child and Family Life Skills as the director of Minneapolis Children's Health Center Outpatient Clinic. Presidents award for outstanding performance in Co-Developing Adolescent Health Clinic at Group Health. Thrived as a pioneering team member of the MIC high school clinics. Chair of group health CME, 1989-1996. Received distinguished award for dedication and untiring efforts at Como Pediatrics in 1999. Award for Clinical Excellence in 2000. Nearing his retirement, he received the Homer and Maureen Venters award for outstanding contribution to pediatric clinical education.
Tom loved the multicultural community he served. For six months he relaxed, gardened, and traveled with his wife to central Mexico for language and cultural study. He also loved his wife deeply and enjoyed the simple things like reading out loud, gardening, fitness classes at the YMCA, spiritual study, travel to visit family, and ball room dance lessons. He volunteered his time championing efforts for our local state representative and chaired Senate District 39 committee and the DFL platform committee. He maintained his spirit of energy for social justice, absolute devotion to his family, and forward steps on his journey to be an instrument of peace. Tom, you will be missed.
Memorials to Grace University Lutheran Church, 324 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis MN 55414, or American Cancer Society.
Tom’s Family
I would like to extend our sympathy to your family. Tom was a boyhood friend of mine in Caledonia and we learned of his death thru Dr. Virnig. I have fond memories of our trip down the Mississippi River to Florida as Tom acting as the “ships” doctor. God bless his memory.
Jeb Griffith
Jeb, thank you for writing. My father really enjoyed his adventures with you! I know you were an important friend to him. You and I met when I was a kid… Not sure if you remember.
Maybe you can help me. I’m searching for Hilde right now. I sent her a letter at her old house and it was returned to me. I don’t have a phone number for her. Please let me know. Thank you
Katie Norris Paries
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague, friend and humanitarian. Spent many hours working together in Urgent Care, bike rides and during other professional activities and conferences.
Andre, take special care. Hope you are doing well. Will let my daughter Janet Thomas(Mounds Park Academy)know about your dad.
warmly,
Drew Thomas
My deepest heart felt condolences. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Tom left a positive impression here at the Eagan YMCA with many staff and member. I recall is friendly and warm smile, which he shared with all, and grateful attitude toward staff, as well as his fresh insight toward life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Beth and family, you all know how much we miss Tom already. You know you have our support in the weeks and months ahead. More privately, and later.
Dear Beth and the Bennington/Norris families ~ Such a beautiful tribute to a talented gentleman. Our hearts go out to you all for the sorrow that your bear in the loss of Tom. You are in our prayers that our Heavenly Father will comfort you in grief and give you joy in the beautiful memories of Tom’s life and legacy.
Sending our love across the miles,
Greg, Tierney and Family
Dr. Norris was a wonderful doctor. He was our regular pediatrician and had a gift for helping us feel better about ourselves. When we had to go to the hospital in the middle of the night, i was so glad he was on duty!