1931 ~ 2004
Gail passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 18, 2004. Gail lived a wonderful, happy, and fulfilled life devoted to his family, and to the cause of Higher Education.
He was born in Muncy, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1931, the son of Chalmers Gail Norris Sr. and Margaret Norris. He married Reiko Takeuchi on April 5, 1953. Gail is also survived by his son, Jeffrey Allen Norris of Washington, DC; his loving grandchildren Jack, Mary, and Casey Norris of Washington, DC; and his brother, Allen Norris of Oakton, VA.
Gail earned a B.S. Ed. from Shippensburg State University in 1957, and an A.M., Government in 1961 from The George Washington University. He worked to earn his way through college, often interrupting his studies to earn enough money to continue. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1951 - 1953. During this service, he met his future wife in Japan. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
He began a long and distinguished career in education as a Social Studies teacher in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, and later achieved senior administrative and leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; The Pennsylvania State University; and the Washington State Council for Postsecondary Education.
In 1982, Gail became Associate Commissioner for Budget and Finance for the Utah System of Higher Education. He later became the Associate Commissioner for Student Financial Aid and the Executive Director of the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, a position he held until his death. Gail built and led the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, which is recognized nationally for the value it provides to the students, colleges and universities, and financial institutions of Utah. As a result of his life's work, Gail has made it possible for thousands of aspiring college students to achieve their educational goals without the same financial struggle he faced as he earned his degrees.
Throughout this dedicated and successful career, it has always been clear to those of us who love Gail that his greatest love, his first and best efforts, and his most important achievements have been reserved for God and for us, his loving wife, son, grandchildren, family and friends. We will always love him, and will miss him very much as he joins his mother and father in heaven.
Memorial services for Gail will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 East 3300 South. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to the Building Fund of Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 E. 3300 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84109. Funeral Directors: Holbrook Mortuary.