Richard Anthony “Rick” Norris was born on May 20, 1974, in Bellingham, Washington, to his loving parents, Jim and Joanne Norris. He passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the age of 52, with his sister by his side.

Above all, Rick loved his children, Madisyn and Taylor, with a love that was deep and very real. Their journey together was not always an easy one, but Rick was deeply grateful for the relationships they were rebuilding and incredibly proud of the people they had become. He loved sharing his lifelong passion for music with them and seeing that same love of music become part of who they are.

Rick worked many jobs throughout his life, but in 2014, he achieved his dream of becoming a police officer with the Seattle Police Department. In 2017, Rick and his partner, Enoch Lee, received the department’s Lifesaving Award. He loved his SPD squad and shared a strong bond with those who served alongside him. His years of service also placed him on the front lines during the Seattle riots, experiences that carried a lasting weight and became a significant turning point in his life.

Music was simply part of who Rick was. Drums were his first love, but he also played piano and guitar, wrote lyrics, and performed as the frontman for several rock and metal bands. Music—especially writing lyrics—was more than a passion; it was therapy, giving Rick a way to express himself and work through some of the deepest hurts of his life. More recently, he found purpose in helping other musicians and bands produce their music.

Rick was also incredibly funny. Humor was almost always present with him—quick, sharp, sometimes inappropriate, and unmistakably Rick. He could find something funny in just about any situation and rarely passed up the opportunity to make a comment, get a reaction, or make someone laugh. Those who knew him best will undoubtedly carry their own favorite Rick stories.

After walking through some deeply difficult years, Rick found his way back to his family, his faith, and a community that embraced him. In March 2024, a season of restoration began, bringing renewed relationships, purpose, and belonging. During his final years, he played drums with the Cornwall Church worship team, a community that became another family to him.

Rick is survived by his children, Madisyn and Taylor; his parents, Jim and Joanne Norris; his sister, Lisa Kaiser, with whom he shared a special bond, and her husband, Chris; and his nephews, Spencer, Mason, and Slade Kaiser. He was preceded in death by several beloved relatives, most especially his grandmother Marie Norris, who held an extraordinarily special place in his heart, as well as his grandfather Russell Norris and grandparents Knute and Aura Grappe.

Rick’s life held achievement and pain, music and laughter, brokenness and restoration. His story reminds us that it is never too late to come home—to family, to faith, and to the people ready to welcome us back.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, at Cornwall Church, 4518 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, Washington. Those who knew and loved Rick are invited to wear black, a favorite heavy metal shirt, or a shirt that reflects Rick’s unforgettable sense of humor.