Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of William Graham “Billy” Norman - son, brother, friend and respected Toronto musician.
Billy’s life was centred around music: playing, performing, writing, recording, and teaching. He also had a lifelong love of tattoos and often joked, “ I had sleeves way before they were cool.” A goalie in his younger years a skilled carpenter, and an avid biker, Billy lived life on his own terms, often with a dry sense of humour.
After a motorcycle accident in 2013 left him with a brain injury, Billy continued to live independently in his downtown Toronto neighbourhood, close to his community of fellow musicians. He passed peacefully at Humber River Hospital, surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his mother and father Lynda and Bill Norman and two loving sisters Kristie Norman and Liza Knight and her Husband Vincent Knight.
Visitation
Date
September 17, 2025
September 17, 2025
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst
Time
12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Service
Cremation
September 29, 2025
Bill, Lynda, Kristie and Liza,
We are so saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. You are in our thoughts and we send love to all of you.
September 21, 2025
I was deeply saddened and heartbroken to hear of Billy’s sudden death. Within me there was always a sweet spot for him; a man of few words but of profound gentleness. There was not a time when his musical skill did not move me. Sending love
and condolences. I will miss him.
September 20, 2025
Billy, with Liza and Kristie, was an important part of my teenage years. I was so happy when he travelled to Peterborough with his band, and the Collingwood contingent in Peterborough at the time would come out to see him play. I remember him fondly. My heart goes out to you all.
September 18, 2025
Bill, Linda and family. Very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Anne McInerney and Dave
September 18, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to your family. Hugs to Kristie and Liza. Billy was one of a kind. A beautiful musical soul with a big heart and a laugh that will never be forgotten. He was the epitome of the term one cool cat. Sending much love.
September 18, 2025
Saddened to hear of Billy's passing. My love, and thought's are with you all. Lot's of love.
September 17, 2025
Another gathering will be held Saturday Sept 20th at the Monarch between 3-6
September 17, 2025
Losing Billy is a real loss I will be feeling for some time. I didn't know him that well personally but always appreciated his sense of humor and chill east coast attitude. But I've had the immense privilege of playing music with him for the last 6 years or so, and he is one the very few people I've played with that simultaneously inspired me and made me feel guilty about not being able to hang. I think our moments of musical synchronicity were real highlights and much needed moments of happiness and respite from a lot of life stuff - for both of us - and I'm so grateful to have shared them with such a good guy.
September 17, 2025
It was with deep regret we received the news of Billy's passing. Billy lived in my building at 720 Spadina and was part of our jazz quartet as bassist, along with piano, sax, guitar and violin, playing wonderful old jazz together every 2 weeks for 5 years. He was loved as a warm human being and musician and we will miss both him and his music immensely.
September 17, 2025
I'm heart broken for you loss of your beloved brother, son, friend. I have lost a friend of 25yrs plus,. Bill and I dated for a couple years and remained best of friends. He was an amazing carpenter and great musician.I have the beautiful blanket box he made me all doved tailed. I saw him often loved him very much. I will definitely miss those eyes looking back staring with such glee., his dry jokes and that walk with those boots. My condolences to family he talked so fondly of his sisters . He has left a hollow hole in my heart sympathy to the Norman family.
September 16, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Billy. Though we only saw each other a few times, I still remember him as my cool older cousin, with such a love for music. The last time we met was '86 and he introduced me to U2. I’ll always think of him as passionate and full of heart. Sending love and sympathy the Norman family & his friends.
September 16, 2025
We send our love and condolences at the passing of our dear nephew Billy. I can picture him on his yellow Harley waving and at peace. He was loved and will be missed. Love Aunt Mary & Uncle Doug
September 16, 2025
I am devastated to hear this news. Bill was a big support for me in the 90s as a developing musician and we played a lot together. I'm playing some of our favorite songs tonight at my gig. Condolences, brother Bill.
September 15, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the family, and big hugs to Liza and Kristy. I have so many fond memories of times with Bill, especially loved watching him play his bass, such an incredibly talented musician, a fun and kind guy as well. Xoxo
September 15, 2025
There are no words to sum up the friendship and love Billy and I had for each other . This is a heavy loss, that smile, laugh…oh my dear friend I already miss you. TIL we meet again😘
September 15, 2025
Bill was a beautiful soul and a wonderful player. We came up together in the Toronto jazz scene of the mid 90s and logged a lot of playing hours together. I was saddened to hear of his passing. All my love to his family and loved ones.
September 13, 2025
Billy was one of the kindest, sweetest, and most genuine human beings I have ever met. We didn't know each other well, but he was unforgettable and we had many honest conversations. I will miss his smile and gift for music.
