Norman Van Lier

No man was ever a greater example of toughness and integrity on a basketball court than Norm Van Lier. Of course he came from the heart and soul of men's men, western PA! May his family be blessed with the best memories of their lost loved one.

Midland, PA has truly lost a great man in the history books of sports. We called him "Ookie". A ball playin' machine. May God grant you peace as you go through this time of sorrow

im a soldier serving here in iraq. it deeply saddens me that one of chicago's finest has passed away. im a lil younger. but norm was a great man. a great human being. i will miss seeing him. a loss but a great gain to jesus in heaven.

Growing up in Chicago, Norm was one of my idols. I admired his hustle and tenacity on those Bulls teams of the 70’s. Later, I had the privilege of meeting and working with Norm during the early days of WSCR “The Score”. He was one of the most honest and personable people I ever met in sports, or in broadcasting. The world feels a little emptier knowing that he is not in it.

Norm Van Lier was truly a legend. We use to always watch him play at the old Chicago Stadium. He was a straight forward guy and we miss him terribly.

Our condolences to Norm's family.

I was not yet alive to see Stormin' Norman play with his #2 jersey at the old Stadium, but just his passion for the Bulls and the overall game of basketball, his knowledge of it too, plus his ability to make us Bulls fans laugh & cry with his crazy antics, give him every right and reason to have his number retired/hanging from the rafters of the UC! You will be missed, Norm...God Bless!!!

Although I never knew him personally, I went to all of the home games at Midland High School in 1964 and 1965 with my friends. I was around 11 at the time, but I was fascinated at the skill that Norm and his team mates displayed. I remember when the team won the PIAA state championship. I followed his playing in college then with the Chicago Bulls. He never forgot his western Pennsylvania roots and his hometown, Midland. My deepest sympathy to his mother, his wife, children, and family. ...

I knew Norman when I worked for the Bulls Organization in the 60's - Norman was known as Stormin Norman and also "hot dog" - he was so magical and fun - you were truly blessed to have him in your family. God Bless you!

to the family of Norm:
I have loved the Bulls from 1970's on. I met Norm then and what a character! Very colorful and a go-getter. I will always love the Bulls. They will always be Number One! Norm and Chet Walker and Bob Love and Bob Weiss and Jerry Sloan were the greatest. Glory Days, gone forever. I loved that team. What a team.