There has been an outpouring of condolences since Greg Norwine of Windworks died last weekend. Here are some.
From the Northwest Marine Trade Association
NMTA received the sad news that long-time board member Greg Norwine passed away over the weekend. Greg was former chair of NMTA’s Government Affairs Committee and was a founding member of the Washington Boating Alliance. As details of his memorial and obituary become available, they will be posted here.
“My favorite Greg Norwine story had to have been when he brought in his son to phone bank for a legislative candidate — two Norwines hitting the phones, making calls to undecided voters. Greg was extremely proud of his son for the extended conversations he was having on the phone with voters that night. ‘He’s a natural sales person,’ Greg said. I will miss his kinds words and leadership within the NMTA family,” said Peter Schrappen of NMTA
Andrew Cross, Cruising Compass Editor
It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to one of the sailing school industry’s finest, Greg Norwine. Greg, the longtime owner of Windworks Sailing & Powerboating in Seattle, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5 in the company of his family. He was loved by many and all who knew Greg will miss him dearly, especially his friends and family at Windworks.
From the moment I was hired as a part-time sailing instructor and captain at Windworks Sailing & Powerboating, Greg Norwine treated me not as an employee or just another instructor to file through the ranks, but as a member of the family. One of the most enthusiastic and generous people you could ever meet, Greg gave his all as a US Sailing volunteer and made learning to sail something special for every single student who walked through the doors at Windworks.
I’m going to miss Greg a lot and will always cherish our talks in his office, on the docks or during one of Windworks’ great club parties.
There will be a service in remembrance of Greg at 11 AM on October 19 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 405 N 117th St, Seattle, WA 98133 for all who would like to attend.
From Janet C. Baxter, Past President, US Sailing:
Greg Norwine’s passing is a big loss for sailing (Eight Bells, Scuttlebutt 3940). He worked hard to grow our sport, encouraging new sailors and working with the establishment (US Sailing) to let these newbies into the game. He wasn’t loud, but he was clearly passionate, either about his own sailing or what he wanted to get done for a much broader audience.
He was Chair of the Commercial Sailing Committee (keelboat schools). I enjoyed being in meetings with Greg, because when he spoke up, he got to the point, and somehow stayed polite. Chatting with him on the phone or at some hotel lobby bar was always fun, and frequently educational. I’ll miss him personally and for all that he did.
