norman

[normanjr]

My dad, Peter Boyd (pseudonym norman), passed away suddenly on May 19 2011.
 
He had a great time recounting stories of aunt Margaret on this message board, while at the same time contributing information. I believe that he has met some of you, but perhaps did not let on about his connection to the board. He mentioned that he had met BIGFRANK, who apparently really knows his raptors and he was always in awe of Norm Murr's exploits.

He was a brilliant man who really loved birds (and writing, among other things). He used to take me to Point Pelee every spring; it was always an adventure. Many of his stories are loosely based on real events. As I'm sure came to light within his posts, he especially loved mockingbirds (as did Margaret), and was always taking notes on their northward expansion.

He got alot of joy out of this message board, and I'm sure that some of you enjoyed the adventures of aunt Margaret as well, so I figured that you deserved to know.

We are holding a memorial at Rosetta McClain Gardens on Thursday May 26 2011 at 3:30pm.

I stopped by on the weekend and quickly found a scarlet tanager, rose-breasted grosbeaks, Baltimore orioles, tennessee, blackpoll, blackburnian, magnolia and myrtle warblers. Woodbine Park had a Lincoln's sparrow and a very vocal warbling vireo (my dad did a big project at UofT on whether or not the western subspecies should be split -- he predicted that at some point it would be based on song differences.)

Brendan

[worth]

Hi
I am very sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed his posting, they were so intelligent and witty.
Dave

[Pat Hodgson]

I never met him but always got a laugh out of his posts.  Thanks for letting us know.

[Bird Brain]

Brendan ... I'm truly shocked and saddened to read this news.    My condolences to you and your family!  

Your dad's postings were always interesting, unique and funny.  I used to PM your dad with Mockingbird sightings from parks out here in Mississauga.

[Halton Hills]

.


Sad to hear the news.......never met him but enjoyed his posts.

Sorry for your loss.......condolences to you and your family.


.

[Lloyd]

Also sorry about your dad's passing, Brendan. A memorial at Rosetta McClain Gardens would be a nice tribute to him.

[Moira]

My condolences Brendan.  I unfortunately never met your father, but thoroughly enjoyed reading his posts and his recountings of travels with Margaret.  I always wondered if he was a writer - he had such a witty and entertaining way about him.  He will be missed on the board and I'm sad I won't get to meet him in person.  I always hoped I'd run into him and Margaret somewhere.  It seems very appropriate to have a service at Rosetta McLain. Thank you for sharing with us Brendan.

[cocosally]

I am sorry for your lost Brenden, never meet your dad but reading his post is sure fun!

[Bluffs Birder]

Brendan,

I'm so very sorry to read of your father's passing.  I absolutely loved his posts and I too always wondered if he was a writer.  The stories of Aunt Margaret, the 'Mockers' and the Buick Wildcat will always be fondly remembered.

Last year your father's writings inspired me to create a video (sorry, no longer available) with a beautiful Buick Wildcat doing burnouts on a backroad out in the country and I asked if it was his crazed Aunt Margaret.  http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4749

Thank you for letting us know.

Walter

[BIGFRANK]

I add my condolences to everyone elses. I too enjoyed the posts by your father. Im touched to get a special mention. We'll all miss the laughs.

[ravynne40]

My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family Brendan. I am sorry I have not met the man behind the wonderful writings and musings.

Irene

[Andreas Jonsson]

I am sorry for your loss Brendan.

For those who want remember some of Peter's (norman's) comments and writings please see here:

http://outdoorontario.net/birds/phpBB/s ... hor=norman

[mr.sharp-photo]

Normanjr,

While I only recall 1 or 2 of your dad's posts, I think that its a beautiful testament that so many posters have kind words and fond memories of your dad's contributions to this board.

I hope that posters' comments and reflections give you some comfort from your loss.  Sounds like your dad was a good man and a unique character.

[birdstitcher]

Brendan,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. His posts always brightened my day. I loved to read the ongoing adventures of Aunt Margaret and the mockers.

My condolences to you and your family,

Kerri-Ann

[Brian Bailey]

My condolences on your loss Brendan.

I too always enjoyed "norman's" posts.  For the uninitiated, it's worth following the search link posted above by Andreas.  Although I never knew who he really was, I'd assumed "norman" was a pseudonym of a Hitchcock fan who in addition to being a birder, was someone with a gift for words and a keen sense of humour.  He will be missed by many who never met him.

BB