Norris Vines

January 14, 1942 - October 3, 2021

Funeral Details: Celebration of Life to be held at a later date

Norris Vines January 14, 1942 – October 3, 2021

Norris passed away peacefully at his home in Barrie, Ontario on October 3, 2021.

A loving and devoted husband to Sheila for twenty three wonderful years, Norris’s passing leaves a void for Sheila and all his family and friends who will miss him terribly.

Nicknamed Peewee in his youth, Norris grew up in Virginia Beach with his Mama, Rosa Vines Welch. At seventeen he led a Norfolk-based group called Church Street Five in which he sang, wrote songs and produced. Many of his songs attracted recording companies and the catchy tune "If You Want to be Happy for the Rest of Your Life” was recorded by Jimmy Soul and became a hit. In the mid sixties Norris was hired to replace the departing lead singer of The Platters. He did a great deal of touring with the group for ten years, but after moving to Canada, Norris left the group and took his musical talents in a different direction. A born performer Norris soon founded his Power Play Show and toured Atlantic City, Vegas, Canada, Europe, the Philippines, and Japan extensively.

In 2012 when the last founding member of The Platters passed away, Norris knew it was time to celebrate the legacy of the group and created a musical review in The Platter’s honour. Norris made substantial contributions to the legacy we have today in R&B.

Norris had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a hand. People who met Norris were drawn to his magnetic personality and warmth. His positive approach to everything and his contagious laugh always spread joy. Music, gardening, and cooking were the defining interests of his life and Sheila was his one true love.

Special thanks to the Bayshore nurses for the kindness and care they showed Norris. Celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Norris to St. Joseph’s Hospital https://supportstjoes.ca/ would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences may be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca

To my husband Meeting you was fate.

Becoming your friend was choice,

But falling in love with you was beyond my control.

If I ever did anything right in my life, It was when I gave my heart to you.

I love you always and forever

Peaceful Transition Simcoe

CONDOLENCES

15 Condolences
  • Deb Hill
    Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2021 Reply

    So sorry for your loss.
    The world has lost a wonderful man – Sheila my heart goes out to you and you family .

    Deb

  • Kathy & Dennis Terry
    Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2021 Reply

    We were so saddened to hear of Norris‘s passing, Sheila. We are sending you our love during this very difficult time. We loved Norris‘s smile and laugh, and will always remember the neighbourhood parties when he entertained all of us! God give you peace and comfort and dry your tears.

  • Linda Waterman
    Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2021 Reply

    Dear Sheila, I cannot express how sad I was to hear of Norris’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. Please take care
    Linda

  • Diane Park
    Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2021 Reply

    Our sincerest and deepest sympathies to the entire Vines family.

    Anytime I saw Norris he had a smile on his face and a kind word for others even during his most challenging days.

    Sheila and Norris had a special love. We have all said this so many times at our workplace. They really were each other’s soulmates.

    Sending prayers and thoughts,

    Diane and Joe Park

  • Michael and Barbara Boodhan
    Posted on: Monday, October 4, 2021 Reply

    We were so sad to hear the news that Norris passed away yesterday. I performed with Norris for many years across Canada and he was a fabulous performer and band leader. He will be missed for his immense musical talents and for the dear friend he was. It was my honour to play lead guitar in his band … so many of the band members became a large part of our life. My wife Barbara and I send condolences and prayers to his dear wife Sheila and to his family here in Canada and in the US. Norris put up a strong fight and was courageous during his illness. This world will miss Norris Vines. We will treasure the memory of being at birthday party a few years ago in Barrie … and we have some great photos to help us remember Norris from the band years and more! From Michael and Barb Boodhan.

  • Helen Wilkinson
    Posted on: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 Reply

    We are so sorry Sheila to hear bout Norris. I was showing Kathryn, Katie and James the photos of Norris and yourself when we went out on Andrew’s boat. Norris was an amazing person.
    Helen Wilkinson and all the Wilkinsons

  • Victor Effiom
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    A truly remarkable man whose energy was infectious. For the short time we met, I could see why everyone loved him. Always had a kind word and a joke on his lips even in his most challenging days. Sad we could never get around to having that barbecue. My heart goes out to Sheila and the entire vines family. Sleep well Norris. You lived an amazing life!

  • Raven and Torren Mansfield
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Sending our deepest condolences to the entire family. Norris was such a strong fighter with an amazing kind soul who will truly be missed. He was truly one of a kind with an infectious smile and outgoing personality. Sending prayers and love to everyone.

  • Shawn Smith
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    I’m saddened to hear of Norris’ passing. I sure am gonna miss him. I remember when I first moved to Barrie and ran into this smiling face driving my bus on I believe the same route where this picture was taken, the old route 11 Bayfield! I now drive for Barrie Transit and I always thought about him and wondered how he was doing but never knew how to contact him to check in or if he would even remember me after all these years if I ever figured how to.
    Anyone that’s been told about his passing have all said the same thing, he was a kind man, a great man, another driver and I both remember that he used to blast music when he drove the bus back in the days where drivers were allowed to do that. I just hope now he’s watching over us. Keep smiling brother, Rest In Peace Norris

  • tracy webber
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Reply

    Sheila you are truly a lucky woman, to have known love so pure and true. I’m sending you and your family all my love during this difficult time. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss.
    Tracy xo

  • Mark/ Barrie Transit
    Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2021 Reply

    To Sheila and the rest of the family my deepest condolences to you all praying for everyone just know that Norris is in a better place and will surely be missed.R.I.P my dear friend.

  • Kim Davis
    Posted on: Tuesday, October 12, 2021 Reply

    Sheila, wishing you comfort during such a difficult time. You have so many wonderful memories of Norris forever to hold in your heart.

  • robert keenan
    Posted on: Thursday, October 21, 2021 Reply

    what a great man. close to our heart .

  • Rick & Susan Milson
    Posted on: Saturday, October 23, 2021 Reply

    We’re truly sorry to hear of the passing of a very good friend. I had the pleasure of doing some business with Norris in the 1980’s. He will be truly missed. RIP my friend. And our condolences to his family in the states and Sheila in Barrie get ready man

  • Tom Bryk
    Posted on: Friday, July 15, 2022 Reply

    Will always remember his great music from his days playing at the Brookdale in downtown Barrie

    What a gentleman and will be missed RIP sir

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