Norm-Van Lier-Obituary

Norm Van Lier

Obituary

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Chicago Bulls guard and broadcaster Norm Van Lier was found dead Thursday afternoon in his home, authorities said.

He was 61.

Firefighters went to his home, just blocks from the United Center, to respond to a request for a well-being check. They found Van Lier unresponsive shortly before 1 p.m. and he was pronounced dead at the scene, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis.

The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed his death.

Van Lier began his NBA career with Cincinnati in 1969. He later spent more than six seasons with the Chicago Bulls before finishing his career with Milwaukee in 1979.

The three-time All-Star played on five playoff teams.

Van Lier, from East Liverpool, Ohio, was drafted by Chicago in 1969, but debuted in the league with Cincinnati that year. He later spent more than six seasons with the Bulls before finishing his career with Milwaukee in 1979.

Van Lier was a defensive standout and a fan favorite who was given the nickname "Stormin' Norman" because of his fiery play. Picked to the NBA All-Defensive first team or second team eight times, he retired after the 1979 season with 8,770 points and 5,217 assists.




Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press

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Ookie ... Yes, I am still around remembering the good ol' days at The Forum and the inner circle of friends. The parachute that you had hanged from the ceiling and the popular beanbag chairs in your living room. Music of Marvin Gaye filled the room. And that inimitable smile of yours. You played your heart out on the court. And God chose to take you far too soon. Just know that you remain loved and remembered by many. You blessed my life and, for that, I am so very grateful. I know...

My sincere sympathy and forever great memories of the "Storm Man, Stormie Van Lier".

Ookie ... You remain in my heart ... ever a part of me through years of memories I shall forever cherish. Whenever I hear Marvin Gaye and Simply Red, the music takes me back in time. And I recall you so vividly in Cincinnati ... Chicago ... and Las Vegas. I can feel you watching over me, Ookie ... my dear sweet loving friend. xo

Miss you norm. You were one of the greats.

Ookie ... Fondly remembering you and missing you. Distance never broke the ties that bound us. You are forever in my heart and an angel who watches over me. xo Susi

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Ookie - You remain in my heart and are a part of my soul. You are missed. You are loved ... xo

My Wife and I

I went to St Francis with Norm. I had seen him play in the Pa State HS championship game when Steelton had Dennis Stuart Within minutes I knew Steelton was going to get blown out by Midland . I was a sophomore at St Francis and just knew when I saw Norm was coming that little St Francis had a great basketball future. I became friends with the whole team probably because I was a little crazy and they liked me. The whole college knew me not by my real name but by the nickname "Miner"...