A Great Senator And Friend

I would like to pay tribute to a personal friend and colleague, Senator H. Wayne Norman.

Wayne Norman was born only 62 years ago in Baltimore. He was a smart and hardworking man, which is evidenced through his work in the General Assembly, as well as his work at his law firm in Bel Air.

As a lifelong resident of Maryland, he was dedicated to serving his constituents. His tenure in the Maryland General Assembly began when he was appointed as a member of the House of Delegates in 2008 to serve District 35A. From there, he was elected as state senator for District 35 in 2014 and served in the Maryland Senate from January 2015 to March 2018. In his many years as a state legislator, he was the lead sponsor of various pieces of legislation aimed at simplifying processes in our court systems, increasing access to justice and upholding the Second Amendment.

Norman’s unexpected death has impacted all who knew him. The outpouring of love and support from across the state, from both citizens and elected officials alike, was showcased by his largely attended funeral.

Oftentimes, the brevity of life is not something we all think about; however, under grief-ridden circumstances, we are reminded of the shortness of life. You never really know how much time you may have left, and we must seize each moment. We are given only one life to live, and I personally want to live it well.

If my friend’s untimely death has taught me anything, it is that I must remember that life is but a vapor. Here today and gone tomorrow. It reminds me to ask, “How well do I live life? How can I better serve others? How can I make a difference in the world?”

His legacy is far from over. His wife, Linda, has been appointed to finish the last several months of his term, and I am confident she will press on, stand up and finish what was started. Senator Norman had a heart for his constituents, and I am confident that his constituency will continue to be well-served with a hardworking and dedicated senator.

Senator Norman was so much more than a legislator. He was a devoted husband for more than 30 years, a loving father to two children and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed.