Today I honor the memory of my friend Norm Wyers, who passed away one year ago today.

I first met Norm at a faculty meeting in the School of Social Work at Portland State University in 2015, where I had just begun my new role as its first marketing and communications manager. I found it curious that this emeritus faculty member — who had retired a full 20 years prior — was still showing up at the sometimes tedious faculty meetings, advising Ph.D. students and participating in the school's strategic planning. That kind of commitment and dedication impressed and intrigued me.

I soon learned what a brilliant mind, gifted researcher and beloved teacher Norm was at Portland State. He was a gentle giant with an incredible knack for connecting people, making the complex easy to understand, and doing the hard work needed to make things happen.

Norm treasured and nurtured friends and family and his social circle was broad and deep. But when you were with him, you always felt like you were the only thing to him in that moment. Because you were. Norm was an incredible listener. He did so to understand, confirm, soothe, and support. He was right there with you.

Because of the pandemic, we couldn't gather in person to honor Norm after his death. I'm grateful to his colleagues who indulged my crazy idea of holding a virtual celebration of his life via Zoom last February. While imperfect, that gathering reminded me of how profoundly he shaped, influenced and illuminated the lives of so many.

Norm touched so many. I feel lucky to have known and learned from him. We miss him. I miss him. Godspeed, dear friend.