Robin Mitchell Norris

October 10, 1938 - July 27, 2024

Orem UTAH

Robin Mitchell Norris, a devoted family man, passed away at the age of 85 in Orem, UT. Born October 10, 1938 to Norman and Lois Norris. "Rob" will be remembered for his deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to his dear family, and to all his fellowmen.

Growing up in Phoenix AZ, Rob developed a passion for music specifically the piano, guitar, and singing and became a very accomplished musician. After graduating High School, he attended the new BYU Church College of Hawaii. As Class president, Rob made many friends and loved the Hawaiian culture. After his return from Hawaii, Rob was called as a missionary for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was thrilled to learn the German language and to serve in Southern Germany from August 1959 - March 1962. He states in his mission journal that serving the Lord to the beautiful people of Germany was one of the hallmarks of his life and has continued to be an influence for good throughout his life. He made lifelong friendships with his companions and converts and incorporated many of the German customs later into his family life as a father. 

After his mission, he completed his schooling at BYU in Utah, graduating with a Master's Degree in Political Science and a Minor in Music. While at school, he ran into a sister missionary who served in Germany with him. She wasted no time introducing him to her talented and lovely younger sister Rose Anne Higbee. At the time, Rose was completing her degree in Music Education and also preparing to serve the Lord on a full time mission. Although Rob had to wait a few years, he decided she was the one for him, so he patiently waited as they wrote letters throughout her mission in Uruguay. After Rose returned home and graduated from BYU, Rob and Rose were finally married in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 10th, 1966. Later, they settled in Spokane Washington and together created a home filled with children, music, love, and joy. During this time, Rob taught music and social sciences at a nearby High School and served in many busy church callings. Rob had always wanted to be close to his children, so he chose teaching as his profession. This allowed him to have the same holidays and summers with his children. Rob and Rose stayed very busy raising their 4 active children, serving in the church and in the community, as well as teaching and performing music wherever they went. In the midst of their busy lives, Rose suddenly became very ill with a brain tumor. Rose and Rob battled her cancer valiantly for 3 years, but despite a well fought fight, Rose sadly passed away after 22 years of marriage leaving behind her dear husband and her young family. The heavy responsibility of raising 4 children as a single parent now fell to Rob. Although Rob had suffered from the devastating loss of his wife, he bravely, consistently, and dutifully raised each of his 4 children. He devoted his life to help them all graduate college and serve missions- which they did. 

After Rob retired in the year 2000, from teaching for 35 years, he began to date the lovely Carol Jean Knuttgen. As they came to know each other better, a very special love bloomed and continued to grow. Much to the joy of their many family and friends, Rob and Carol were married in the Spokane Washington Temple on March 30, 2001. This was such a special blessing in Rob's life! He was very happy to share his eternal life not only with sweetheart Carol, but also with her wonderful son Chris who was serving an LDS mission at the time. As Rob and Carol embarked on their lives together, they served more than 5 service missions throughout Spokane and Utah. They helped to train many missionaries in various foreign languages at the Mission Training Center (Provo Utah) and were happy to have served many times as Ward Missionaries. Their dedication to the Lord and passion for sharing His gospel has blessed them and their families greatly. As lifelong educators, with 7 college degrees between them, they have taught and blessed many people through their loving efforts. They enjoyed singing in choirs for many years and loved learning about world cultures, history, and traveling. They shared over 100 world trips including China, Egypt, Israel, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Australia, Tahiti- well you get the idea! However, the events that have blessed them the most have been welcoming their 14 beautiful grandchildren and 6 beautiful great grandchildren! 

Rob was devoted wholeheartedly to his family and always made time for them. He loved to see his children and grandchildren perform, share their talents and creations. He was always willing to give of his time and service to help those around him. He spent many hours playing with grandchildren, fixing meals, cleaning houses, painting fences, trimming hedges, doing laundry, or whatever was needed to be helpful. Rob had many dear friends who were very special to him. He always had time to visit with his loved ones and was an especially wonderful listener. Rob will be remembered for his kind and gentle heart, his sweet smile, his friendliness and compassion, and his many artistic and musical talents which he shared freely.

Rob strived daily to be close to his Savior and was often found in the early morning hours reading the word of God and writing down his insights. During his later years he loved to tend to his beautiful flower garden and serve as the church organist. He most of all enjoyed spending time with his beloved Carol, whether it be reading interesting books, sharing an entree at a favorite restaurant, enjoying a new movie at the theatre, or just staying home while cheering on their favorite sport teams. 

As Rob's battle with Alzheimer's and Dementia progressed, Carol made her sweetheart's comfort and care her top priority. She brought great love and joy to Rob, especially during his last days. Rob took his last breath surrounded by music and by dear loved ones.

Rob is survived by his loving wife Carol Norris, his sons Robert (Penny) Norris, Michael (Juli) Norris, James (Marilee) Norris, Christopher (Karen) Knuttgen, daughter Sharon (Trevor) Hopkins and his 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren including Ryan, Kellsey, Aubri, Seth, Ashlyn, Jacob, Aleta, Jada, Atticus, Mick, Parker, Rocky, Trey, Brody, Asher, Rose, Cooper, Michael, Avery, and Hallie. 

Rob is preceded in death by his mother Lois Mitchell Norris and father Norman Norris; his first wife Rose Norris, and his brothers Jim Norris and Barry Norris. 

 A funeral service to honor Rob's life will be held at the Sharon Park LDS Chapel at 310 N 100 E Orem, UT 84057 on August 3rd, 2024. There will be a viewing from 9:30am-10:30am and a service at 11am. He will be interred at the Orem City Cemetery at a later time. 

The Norris Family would like to thank the staff at Covington Senior Care for their kind and gracious care of our husband and father. We would also like to thank the people at Dignity Homecare and Hospice, especially Marsala who showed such tender care and commitment to Rob. 

For those unable to attend the services they will be streamed starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 3 via Facebook Live at the following link:https://www.facebook.com/sundbergolpinfuneralhome/videos/520334040654362