Richard “Butch” Lee Norman Jr.

How cheap was Butchie? Too cheap to pay for his own obituary, but we are doing it anyway!

Richard Lee Norman Jr., known to everyone as “Butch,” passed away at his home Thursday evening, December 19, 2024. He was 59 years old. 

Butch was born in Detroit March 5, 1965, one of three children born to Richard and Marion “Mickie” (Verhaegen) Norman. Butch was raised and spent a good part of his life in greater Detroit. He and his family eventually moved to northern Michigan where they have lived for the last 30 years. Butch had many jobs in his life; roofing, construction, driving truck, and the one he was most proud of, mechanic and owner of his shop, “Lou’s Services.”

Butchie was an automotive enthusiast to the core. Automobiles were in his heart and soul; from working on cars in his driveway in Detroit to attending National Hot Rod Association Drag Racing events and meeting his all-time favorite driver and champion, John Force.

Butch spent the last 40 years with the love of his life, Veronica. They married March 4, 1989, in Sterling Heights and renewed their vows this past summer to mark their 35th wedding anniversary. In those 40 years they were blessed to raise three children who gave them wonderful grandchildren, enjoy vacationing in the mountains of Tennessee and everything in between.

Butch had three biological children but a countless number of adopted kids. He would have done anything for any one of them. Butch may have loved being a father, but his favorite title was “Papa.” An awesome grandpa, he gave his grandkids all his pocket change, took them for rides in the side by side, and taught them how to fix things. Butch loved camping with his family, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.

Butch was a warrior, a strong fighter who began fighting cancer in April of 2022 and was able to ring the bell in victory  December 23rd of that same year. Confident he had beat cancer only to have his toughest battle start again in January of 2024. Butch never gave up; he continued to smile and kept a positive attitude. He passed away peacefully with his wife and children surrounding him at home only six days after his last day of working at his shop.

Truly one of a kind, Butch could swear like a sailor but had the most kind and caring heart. He opened his home and welcomed everyone with open arms. He loved his family unconditionally, had a great sense of humor, and fought with incredible strength and courage. He was incredibly loved and will be missed by his wife of nearly 36 years, Ver

onica Norman; daughters, Angela (Bryan) Leach and Wendy (Kevin) Lane, all of Millersburg; son, Dick (Raquel) Norman of Petoskey; the grandchildren he adored, Isaiah, Coletin, Charlitte, London, Brooklyn and Emerie; as well as his four-legged canine companion, Deebo. Butch also leaves his sisters, Cynthia (Scott) Hojnacki of Port Huron and Kim Norman of Warren; stepsister, Debra Sidelinker of Hillman; numerous “adopted kids” who he loved like his own; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Mickie and Louis Sidelinker; his favorite uncle, Jay Norman; and his birth father, Richard Norman.

As were Butch’s wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tower Hall Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. with light snacks being served. Cremation arrangements were in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.