Norman Cree

Norman was a real gentleman, with patience of a saint. He had to have been to have taught me and many others in many brass bands.
He always had a smile on his face and a wicked sense of humour.
Though I hadn't seen him for good while He has often been in my thoughts.
My deepest sympathies go to Rosemary, Peter and all of the extended family.
Love
Carole

I have very fond memories of travelling to Kilkenny with Norman to St. Patricks Band in the minibus. His energy in teaching music to the children in Leighlinbridge was endless. He was a kind gentleman. My sincere condolences to Philip and Rosie, Jennifer and Bethany and all his family .May Norman rest in Peace.

Our sincere condolences to Normans family and friends. He was so kind, knowledgeable and generous in sharing his time with others. An absolute gentleman. May Norman rest in peace.

I have so many happy memories of Uncle Norman. He shared his great enthusiasm for life, music (banding in particular) and “all things sewage” with such generosity. He leaves a great legacy, as well as much sadness at his passing. A terrific man.

I loved Norman’s attitude to life. Had many a good chat with him. He & St
. Patrick’s Brass Band were always great to sing hymns along to,

Norman was a wonderful, kind and generous man. His passion for bringing people from all walks of life together through music was an inspiration. He has left so many people with love for a hobby that brings wonderful experiences and friendships for life. All of us who played in Hall Royd Band under Norman’s direction as teenagers and beyond cherish wonderful memories of our time in the band, and the adventures, friendships and guidance Norman gave us. My condolences to all his family and friends, rest in peace Norman.

My deepest sympathies on the death of Norman. He was a wonderful godfather, fascinating conversationalist and his love of music was truly inspiring. I will always remember how loving, fun and interesting he was every time we visited. He will be sorely missed.

Sympathies to Norman’s family on their loss. The music students in Leighlinbridge were truly blessed to have such a kind and knowledgeable teacher,
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Norman was a formative part of my young adult life in Hall Royd band. He showed me that music makes friends of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. Friends made at band are friends for always, despite gaps of sometimes many years.
I have many wonderful memories of our experiences as a band - concerts and trips, bloopers and iconic catchphrases! His indomitable optimism, commitment and humour created a wonderful environment for all of us to enjoy and grow in.
I remember conversations in quiet moments (I liked the philosophical ones). He told me that there are lots of different codes and rules for how to live your life. But the best and most common one is to love people and hope to receive it in return. I haven't yet found anything to supersede this view and, once I noticed it, I think it was a big part of who he was and how he brought the best out of people.
My condolences to his family and all who new him, and I'm sorry I can't be with you today.
He was a warm light in the world, but I think he has left the world warmer still for what he gave us.

Norman was a wonderful man. He offered the gift of music to anyone, from any background, who wanted to play it. He offered us adventures that nobody else could offer, travelling around Europe in his trusty minibus, giving random concerts to random people. But we learned so much more from him than just music. He was gentle, patient and tolerant with us when others would not have been. He brought people together and through him friendships were formed which have lasted a lifetime. I joined Hall Royd Band at a time when I could easily have given up banding altogether, but Norman and the atmosphere he'd created there changed all that, and 30 years later I've never put my Trombone down. We knew he'd never really retire when he moved to Ireland, he just carried on doing there what he'd been doing in Shipley for all those years, even buying a new minibus! It was a pleasure to see him in fine form at the anniversary celebrations at Hall Royd in 2016, and that's how I'll remember him. Thank you for everything, Norman, and may you rest in peace.

To the most amazing and wonderful man i have ever known. Honoured to have been your goddaughter. The world is a much richer place for having had you in it. May you rest in peace with Christine, reunited at last xx

Rest in Peace Norman, Condolences to all his family and friends

My deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss. Norman was a lovely man.

Our sincerest condolences to Noman's family and friends. Norman and Christine will forever be remembered for all that they gave to this village through their love of music. Their dedication, commitment and generosity was rare and much appreciated.

Norman was an amazing person. A gentleman, a mentor, a man of the community. The amazing things he has done for people all around the world. His gift of music being one of those. Norman may you rest in peace knowing that you have a legacy of musicians who will carry on your ethos of music, family and community. Will miss you. X

Our sincere condolences to all Norman’s family. He was such a kind, generous and caring man. Norman had a great gift of being able to encourage young and old to try and do better. Rest in peace Norman.

It was my absolute pleasure to have known Norman. He will not be forgotten.
Passing on my heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends .
May he RIP

Our sincerest condolences to Rosemary and Philip and Norman’s extended family.
Norman’s contribution to St Patrick’s band was immeasurable. His prowess as the musical director has left an indelible mark on those of us were so lucky to be part of his band.
Rest in Peace Norman.

My deepest sympathy for the loss. He was a great man.

My deepest sympathies to all the Cree family on the sad passing of dear Norman. What a wonderful, interesting, kind, gentle, wise, adventurous, inspiring, talented, and lovely man Norman was. He has left such an imprint on all who were so lucky to have known him. May he rest in peace, reunited with Christine.

So sorry to hear of the death of Norman he was a gentleman and we enjoyed his company when he attended Leighlin Daycare. Condolences to his family.Rest in Peace Norman.

It was with great sadness we heard of the death of Norman. To his children Rosemary & Philip his family friends & fellow musicians our sincerest condolences. Norman thank you for the wonderful music but most of all your generosity of spirit which touched so many, you will be missed by so many.

Condolences to the Cree family.
Norman was a true gentleman and my girls enjoyed every minute of your music class in the parish centre Ripn

Deepest condolences to Norman's family on his passing. He was a pleasure to work with in St Patrick's Brass Band. He was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly.

So sorry to hear of Norman’s death. I remember a lovely gentle man who did a lot of good in his long life.

Our sincere sympathy to all Normans family on your sad loss. A true gentleman Rest in Peace Norman.

Deepest sympathy to the Cree family on the passing of Norman. We think of him with fond gratitude for his kindness and his sharing of his gift of music with the children of Leighlinbridge National School. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

We want to offer our heartfelt condolences to Rosemary, Philip and all of Norman's loved ones at this sad and difficult time. Norman was, quite simply, an incredible person. His kindness, patience and interest in the pupils in our school was truly admirable. His love of music was infectious and he always gave of his time, encouragement, expertise and wisdom so generously. We fondly remember his cheeky smile and his sense of fun! Norman will be sadly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have known him. Thank you for the music Norman, may your gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

My sincerest sympathy to Norman's family. He was so kind to all, an absolute gentleman. It was a pleasure to have met him. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy to Norman's family. Thank you Norman for bringing music and joy to so many boys and girls down through the years in Leighlinbridge national school. May your gentle soul rest in peace x

It was with the deep sadness we learned of Norman's passing rather suddenly. Norman was conductor to St Patrick's Brass and Reed Band Kilkenny and Leighlinbridge Brass factory for 14 years having retired from banding in Yorkshire in 2005. Such was his knowledge and enthusiasm of Brass Band Music he lead the bands to a very high standard at home and abroad in Germany, Spain and his beloved Shipley. He was in his element standing in front of the Band with a Baton in his hand encouraging and especially leading the youth of whom he was so proud.
Codladh sámh Norman you can now conduct the Band of Angels. RIP

Rosie, Philip and Terry,
We send you our deepest sympathies on the death of Norman. We are proud to have known him for such a long time. His compassion, sensitivity and humour were his greatest gift to us as he guided us through our teenage years. We had a wonderful teenage with Hallroyd Band. We remember a time of life, that can be very difficult, with great fondness and we still have some very dear friends from that time. And, of course, he has left us with a life-long hobby in brass banding which then inspired David’s career in music.
More recently, Norman has been a great friend and Godfather to Katy. We will miss him.

With sincere sympathy to Normans family & friends. What a lovely kind, warm & generous man . He will be very sadly missed by all those who were lucky to have known him. May he rest in eternal peace.

RIP Norman, a loss to humanity allways a gentleman so sad at his passing

Prayers are with Rosemary and Philip who I used to babysit many years ago, and with all the family. Norman was an inspiration to many and I have very fond memories of being in Hall Royd Band, with trips to Ireland and Holland, and two vans that often needed a push! He has left a wonderful legacy.

Deepest condolences to Rosemary and Philip on the passin of Norman. Norman came to our band in July 2007 and from the beginning of our journey his musical influence completely transformed the band.Both Norman And Christine were a delight to work with. God be with you Norman.RIP.
The members of St. Patrick's Brass And Reed Band, Kilkenny

Fondest memories of a wonderful friend and band colleague. Norman filled all our lives with his wisdom, wit and fun over many years and, knowing him has enriched our lives in many ways.
Happy days with Hall Royd Band and the Raheny visit in May 1974 will never be forgotten - what a wonderful week we all had.
We send our sincere condolences to Rosemary, Philip, Terry and Eleanor and, the extended family

With great sadness, I lost a profound figure who loved and helped me in many ways during my years as a student at Bradford. Norman was more than a Brass Band Master. He was a father to me.

My deepest condolences to Rosie, Philip and families on the passing of your lovely father. Rest in Peace.

Love, is a currency of life
- Norman Cree -

Deepest sympathy on the sad loss of Norman. May he rest in peace

Sending our condolences to you all, Rosie, Philip, Terry & Eleanor, Frances, & families. We have so many memories of the good times together at HallRoyd Band, Shipley. Norman was a very special & talented person, who fostered a love of music and banding in so many peoples lives, as well as the great fellowship that accompanied it. We are so much richer for it. Our love to you all. From the Bower family Xxx

Deepest condolences to you Rosemary and Philip on the passing of your lovely father Norman., a full and well traveled life and wonderful memories of songs n concerts. My son had the pleasure of being part of a brass band Norman conducted in Kilkenny. May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

My sincere sympathy to Rose and Philip and all the Cree family on the sad passing of Norman, a true gentleman. May he Rest in Peace.

Sending our love at this sad time.
Norman is fondly remembered by us as we were members of Hall Royd Band.... we had so much fun,learnt to enjoy music and make many friends. His love and support to each and every band member was so evident and unique. Such fond memories of a great man.

Such a lovely man to have known.Always had a smile when he came in with his van for tyres we would have a chat , often think of him , May you rest in peace Norman a true gentleman

Happy memories of playing under Norman’s direction, being deputy, and enjoying band holidays/tours he organised. He has left a great legacy having been Bandmaster of Hall Royd Band in Shipley, West Yorkshire, England for many years.

Whilst i only met Norman the once, approx 4yrs ago at the beginning of Covid with mutual friends, I could tell in that brief time, what a wonderful soul and character he was and he will live on steeped in the music of the bands that he had become so involved in and each time a piece of brass is played, so will Normans soul play on.
It was such a pleasure to have known you Norman.

Rip Norman. We will miss you in beechwood. It was a privilege to look after you. Will miss our chats. A pure intelligent gentleman. Condolences to all Norman's family 💞

Norman was an incredible inspiration to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him in Leighlinbridge N.S. His legacy will continue through the lives of all those children he so patiently taught and encouraged. He always did this with a smile for everyone and constant words of praise for all his pupils. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, his many friends and his much loved students, who I know will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Norman.

Our most sincere condolences to the family. We will miss our dear friend and his stories too. Along with his wife Christine, they inspired a monumental amount of people. He will be sadly missed.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Rosemary and Philip, on the passing of your wonderfully blessed father whom I knew and greatly admired over the years of my ministry in Carlow. What a gentle, kind, humble, and wise soul he was! May he rest now in the warm and loving embrace of Jesus whom he served so humbly and well. May God feel and restore you with His peace. Sahr

Philip & Rosie, we are thinking of you with love & deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear Dad.
He was a faithful friend of my late father Eric's & although meeting relatively late in life, they enjoyed plenty of adventure.
I will miss his wonderful twinkly eyes & his art of facinating conversation.

We want to offer our deepest sympathies to Phillip, Rosie and the extended Cree family on the death of your beloved Norman. He was a wonderful man and he and his late wife, Christine, gave so much of their time to the children in Leighlinbridge school, teaching them to play the many musical instruments, which they supplied. Their band played in Leighlin, Carlow and places much further away, in so many concerts, which we all enjoyed immensely. Everyone who knew and loved Norman will miss him so much, but we all have wonderful memories. Rest in eternal peace, dear Norman.

Our deepest sympathies on Norman’s death to Phillip, Rosie and the extended Cree family on the death of your beloved Norman. He was such a wonderful man and both he and his late wife, Christine gave such joy to the many children in Leighlinbridge school, teaching them to play their musical instruments. We enjoyed the many concerts he and his young pupils gave to the community of Leighlin, Carlow and further away. Everyone who knew and loved Norman will miss him so much, bur we all have lovely memories. Rest in peace dear Norman.