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Norris Hoyt Obituary

NORWICH - Norris "Norrie" Hoyt died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2013, at his home in Norwich.

Norrie was born in Chicago and grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. He attended Belmont Hill School and Amherst College. After graduating from Amherst in 1957, Norrie spent a year living on a kibbutz in Urim, Israel. It was an experience that affected him deeply and which he spoke of often.

Upon returning to the United States, Norrie attended Harvard Law School and received his J.D. in 1961. He later received a Master's degree in Taxation from Boston University. Norrie practiced maritime law in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he once arrested a boat by nailing a warrant to the mast. He also worked as an attorney for the National Science Foundation in Washington D.C.

In 1969, Norrie moved to Vermont to work as Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Taxes. Norrie always said that after moving to Vermont, he finally felt at home. In 1971, Norrie moved to Norwich and opened the first law firm in town since Daniel Buck in 1791. Norrie took a job as legal counsel to Governor Tom Salmon and wrote Vermont's landmark Land Gains Tax Act and worked tirelessly to see it enacted by the Legislature. In 1974,

Norrie married Kathleen Clark in the Governor's Office in the Vermont State House. They are the only couple ever to have been married in the State House. In 1974, Norrie was elected to the first of five terms in the Vermont State House, representing Norwich and Strafford. During his career, Norrie was responsible for crafting some of the most enduring and progressive tax programs in Vermont, including the Property Tax Rebate, the Current Use program, the Renters Rebate Program, and many others.

Norrie became Commissioner of Taxes in 1985 and later served as Commissioner of Liquor Control until retiring from public life in 1998. Norrie had a deep love of public service and the State of Vermont. He received the first American Civil Liberties Union award in Vermont for his efforts to defeat the restoration of the death penalty in the state.

Norrie was pre-deceased by his father, Norris Hoyt and his mother, Jean Archibald Hoyt. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy Hoyt of Norwich, his son Michael and his wife Natalie of Hanover, and his son Christopher and his wife Grace of West Haven, Vt. He is also survived by his cat, Belle.

Norrie had a love of life and thirst for knowledge that he followed wherever it led. He did not care for convention or social standing but admired and respected people for who they were and not for any status or title they held. He was famous for his stories and humorous quips and puns. He would recite poetry from memory, particularly the works of Robert Frost and Wallace Stevens. He loved cats and took an interest in everything that life had to offer. He was a wonderful listener, and he treated everyone with respect.

A celebration of his life will be held at his home in Norwich on September 14, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society or the Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of VT and NH.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.

To view an online memorial and/or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit www.rand-wilson.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rutland Herald on Aug. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Norris Hoyt

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September 9, 2013

Am coming to wake... what time is good...I shall miss him dearly on Facebook!

Sally Giddings Smith

Sally Young

August 17, 2013

Kathy, Just learned of Norrie's death at our favorite spot in Norwich. Both Bill and I were so sorry to hear the news. My last visit with him there was such a treat. You're in our thoughts.

Jack Crowl

August 13, 2013

Kathy -- So sorry to learn belatedly of Norrie's death. Your loss, I know, is great -- and so is Vermont's. We'll all laugh a bit less with his absence.

Robin Turnau

August 13, 2013

Dear Kathy -
I am so sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. It was a pleasure to get to know Norrie during his time on the VPR Board of Directors, and then to have you serve in the same capacity in more recent years. My thoughts are with you.

August 12, 2013

Kathy -
So sorry to hear about Norrie. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sarah Carpenter

August 10, 2013

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. He was such a wonderful man. So many great memories from "back in the day". Please know that Bruce and I are thinking of you and your family - sending lots of love and prayers.

August 10, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of your loss may the God all comfort b with your family at this time 2corth 1:3,4

August 10, 2013

May you draw strength from Gods word the bible at Isa.41;9,10,13.

G. Freeman

August 10, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 10, 2013

May you find great comfort in your happy memories of your loved one until you are reunited.

Brian Searles

August 10, 2013

Dear Kathy- Elizabeth and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family during this tough time. Along with being a terrific guy, Norrie was the consummate public servant and accomplished so much to the great benefit of so many.

Reed

August 10, 2013

I am sorry to read about the passing of your love one. May God spirit empower your family with strength and courage as you face the coming days God bless you.

Ed

August 10, 2013

To Kathy and all of Mr. Norris' family and friends,
Please find peace in prayer. God cares and will give you comfort. 1 Peter 5:6, 7

John Zampieri

August 9, 2013

Kathy & family..I was so sorry to hear about Norrie...he was a true Gentleman...and wonderful to work with in the Vt. House and in the Administration of Gov. Kunin. Vermont is a much better place for us all because of his vision and efforts. God Bless...

Bible Student

August 9, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karen Caldwell

August 9, 2013

It was with deep regret that I learned of the passing of Norris Hoyt I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.

May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.

Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1, but since the loss to you is most direct and personal. I wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.

Ronald Allbee

August 9, 2013

Kathy and family.....Norrie was a true gentleman and human and treated all with humility. I have fond memories of working with him on current use tax issues and other legislative issues. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

James Willner

August 9, 2013

May the eternal light shine upon him.....

John Nicholls

August 9, 2013

Kathy,
Sorry to hear of Norrie's passing. I had the privilege to work with him when he was Deputy Tax Commissioner. He was a pure joy to work with and had a brilliant mind as his legacy attests.

August 9, 2013

Norrie, made my experiences at the Vt.Liquor Dept. more enjoyable. It was always great to have a visit with Norrie.
Condolences,
Walter Baumann

Bill Frattini

August 9, 2013

I remember Norrie taking a sincere interest in the Vermont bar exam problems of 1980-1981 and the kind note I received from him upon being admitted. Truly a thoughtful and caring individual.

Mike Bernhardt

August 9, 2013

Kathy a shining star has fallen, my sincerest condolences and wishes to you and your family.

Barb Grimes

August 9, 2013

Dear Kathy:
Sorry to read of Norrie's passing. Thinking of you.

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