Norman Rafelson

It´s hard to express what nearly fifty years of friendship and family truly mean. Norman´s kindness left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit were felt deeply by all of his Thornley relatives here in Texas, and his memory will remain a part of us always. Linda & I have much love and gratitude for the many cherished memories-especially those shared with Norman, Martha, Margo, and Rebecca, and the joy of experiencing the...

Norman was bigger than life by being outgoing as a host! He practiced his hospitality sense in a major ways and always delivered on his pledge to be hospitable. I will miss my namesake and wish his family reliving great memories as they remember him. Norm Rich

Dear Martha Rebecca Margo and family Hearing the news of Norman's passing, I am filled with memories of the profound impact he had on my life, both professionally and personally. So time has come for me to tell Norman how I admire him I will never forget the day we met. You had just arrived a day earlier as the new General Manager of the Hyatt in Jerusalem. I had only seen your picture in a hotel circular, so I was surprised when you sat down at a table in the Pavilion and...

I´m just a small Asian fly who once worked at Silversea, based in Singapore. But Norman-Hotel Director, with a title that carried weight-never treated me like I was small. Every time the ship came to Singapore, he´d make a point to find me somewhere onboard. A warm hug. Kind words of encouragement. Always sincere, always generous with his time. Even after I left Silversea, Norman never forgot. He´d invite me up for lunch whenever the ship docked. How many Hotel Directors do that for...

Dear Norman, Rest in peace. Working with you at Silversea has been a privilege and a source of inspiration. You have been a great friend, and I will miss you immensely. Thank you for everything you have taught me over the years of close collaboration. Marina

Oh Norman...your birthday is a day after mine and for many years we were calling each other two days in a row. The last years less. Somehow we drifted apart, to different parts of the world and time zones -- but the connection always remained. When I moved to Lausanne in 1994 -from Chicago- you were there to show me the ropes of the office, the then super quiet life in Lausanne, and many summer Sunday afternoon trips on the upper deck of the lake cruiser with a little 'je suis' Dezaley. The...

Norman was the kind of person who immediately made others feel comfortable and valued. His ability to genuinely connect with customers and Silversea staff alike made Norman someone who will be remembered and sorely missed by many.

Norman had a special place in my heart. He always cared. I will miss our calls.

My deepest condolences. Norman was one of the best Hotel Directors in the cruise Industry. His friendliness and caring for the guests onboard Silversea was outstanding. Norman will be missed by many who had the pleasure to meet him.