Joseph Alexander (Mike) Norvell

Joseph Alexander (Mike) Norvell passed away in Reston, VA on February 9, 2024 at age 84.

I applied mine heart to know and search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things...

Ecclesiastes 7:25

Mike was born in Holyoke, MA where he spent his early years. A self described 'military brat', his family moved often - Nevada, South Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio and Arkansas. Hunting and fishing during his teens sparked a life-long love of the outdoors and natural history.

Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of the wolf.

Aldo Leopold

He was an avid paddler, forager, birder and student. His interests were broad: the geology of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, wildflowers, marshland ecosystems, mycology, native plants.

Most of us have jobs that are too small for our spirits.

Studs Terkel

After completing military service he lived and studied abroad in Oxford and Munich, returning in the late 60's to complete his degree at the University of Maryland. He settled in College Park, married Norita, started Irish dancing, began a family and his career at the Census Bureau. He rooted for the Terps, Skins and later the Nats. Much of his Census work was in the field- Native American reservations, rural South, inner-city New York- he assimilated with ease. He developed a keen sense of social justice and fair play. He was a management analyst as well as the union shop steward. He served on environmental advisory boards in Reston.

To snatch the passing moment and examine it for signs of eternity is the noblest of occupations.

Louis J.Halle

Mike met Jill after a rugby game, in a bar, on St. Patrick's Day. They married in 1982. Rugby was Mike's passion but his days as a prop ended prematurely by a knee injury. He turned to paddling, tennis, biking, hiking, skiing and resumed Irish set dancing. Mike's love for music and dance expanded to polka's, Cajun and Zydeco, Latin and Ballroom, Swing and even some Salsa. He never lacked for willing partners. Live music performances fed his soul, even traveling to Belfast to see Van Morrison. Mike was proud of his French Canadian and Polish roots. Our New Year 's Day dinner was stuffed cabbage rolls and Canadian meat pies, accompanied by French-Canadian and Klezmer tunes. He was also a collector - first edition books, original wildlife illustrations, Wilbur Chocolate Company memorabilia and ephemera, select pieces from the Arts and Crafts movement and Native American art and carvings.

I believe we are now living in eternity as much as we ever shall be.

Elbert Hubbard

In later years he was content watching the world in his backyard. He knew the rhythms and spirit of the place- when the swallows returned in the spring, the mergansers resting for a day on their migration, the bald eagle heading to the nest, the barking of the fox kits. He rescued 2 box turtles from becoming roadkill, and 30 years later they still reside in the courtyard. Mike is loved and survived by his wife, Jill; his children Kathleen, Sean and Patrick (Karen); his grandchildren Jacob, Katie, Alex and Aiden; and his sister Carol (Roger) and brother Bill (Stephanie).

Live in each season as it passes, breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit and resign yourself to the influence of the earth. Henry David Thoreau

A Celebration of Mike's Life and Memorial Ceili will be held on August 11 at 4 pm.

The Lake House, 11450 Baron Cameron Avenue, Reston, VA 20190.

The craic will include shared stories and memories, music, dance, food and drink. All of Mike's family, friends and passing acquaintances are invited and welcome.

RSVP by July 17

Jill Norvell

703-264-0600 (text or cell)

jillnorvell@gmail.com

Contributions in Mike's memory can be made to Mike Norvell Music Fund or The National Resource Defense Council

Ah music, a magic beyond all we do here.

Professor Albus Dumbledore