Norm Brown

Norman (Norm) Earl Brown age 95, of Greenville, passed away Monday, June 15, 2026. In the days and weeks before Norm’s death, he spent time doing what he loved most – traveling, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Norm was born July 22, 1930, in Belding, the son of Linus and Ruth (Thomas) Brown. Norm married Marilyn Fries Brown, his high school sweetheart, in 1948 and they were married for 52 years before her death in 2001. The pair spent their honeymoon in Lake Placid, New York which began their lifelong passion for worldwide travel and adventure. Norm and Marilyn’s love for the outdoors led to their hobbies of downhill skiing, canoe racing, and sailing.

Norm graduated from Belding High School in 1949. After high school, Norm was mentored by his father-in-law Ernest Fries and Greenville Tool & Die founder Stan Ash. This foundation encouraged Norm to earn his certification as a journeyman tool and die maker which marked the beginning of his innovative and creative professional life. Bringing together their love for skiing and the outdoors with Norm’s training as a highly skilled machinist and artisan, Norm and Marilyn established Norm’s Ski Shop in 1955 which was the oldest ski shop in Michigan still run by the original owner.

Over the years, Norm established himself as one of the best ski boot fitters in the ski business. He built tools and designs for ski boot fitting and cold tuning skis that no one else could conceive or do. Norm was always eager to share his theories and ideas for how to make downhill skiing the best sport it could be. He never forgot a face and was always eager to impart his knowledge about the art of skiing upon customers, peers, and mentees. Norm happily worked in the ski shop during the 2025-2026 winter season as he never wanted to stop doing what he loved so deeply. Norm’s Ski Shop will remain open as Norm’s daughter Chris and son-in-law Gregg will carry forward Norm and Marilyn’s legacy.

For many, Norm seemed to be an immortal giant. He climbed the Grand Teton with his son Bart, sailed from Seattle, WA to Alaska, and raced the AuSable River Canoe Marathon nine times. He also traveled the world by ski, sailboat, and PT Cruiser with family and friends as he always desired to reach new heights. Norm was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 130 at First Congregational Church of Greenville where he mentored young men for many years including five Eagle Scouts. In addition to their home on Youngman Road, Norm built professional racing canoes and a Westsail 32 sailboat, named “Edelweiss”, which traversed the Great Lakes with Norm and Marilyn as co-captains.

Norm was beloved, even when bull-headed and stubborn, particularly because he shared in his affinity for being a lifelong learner with friends, family, and community members of all ages. He was a true friend who always showed up and advocated for those he cared for which made Norm dependable and respected. Norm’s work ethic and drive to always be the best was inspiring for many especially by those who had the privilege of learning, working, and adventuring alongside him. It is for these reasons that Norm’s Way at Crystal Mountain and the Norm Brown GS Invitational are named after him and his wife Marilyn.

Norm was proud of his four children, Bart, Vicki, Tracey, and Chris, who will continue to carry on his legacy. Like many who were emboldened by him, the essence of Norm is etched into everything his children do. It is because of them, his wife Marilyn, his grandmother Mae, and his mother-in-law Ina that allowed Norm to harness his many talents, ambitions, and dreams to become a true legend whose enduring legacy will live on forever. We should all be so lucky to live our lives to their absolute fullest in the ways Norm did every day of his remarkable life.

Norm is survived by his children Bart Brown of Greenville, Vicki (Wayne) Korson of Canadian Lakes, Tracey (Tom) Koperski of East Grand Rapids, and Chris (Gregg) Glasco of Kent City; five grandchildren Kim Korson (Perry), Rex (Jessica) Korson, Dylan Brown, Kaitlin (Bill) Popielarz, and Maggie (Kyle) Kimball; and five great grandchildren Jack, T.J., Noah, Lily, and Charlie. He was preceded in death by his parents Linus and Ruth Brown, wife Marilyn, and his sister Barb. Members of the family will be meeting with friends and relatives 12 noon to 2 PM and 4 to 6 PM Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville. Memorial Services will be 11 AM Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the First Congregational Church, with Pastor Ed Milam officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Norm's name to the Greater Grand Rapids High School Ski Conference or Clay Street Center of Greenville which supports local seniors. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.