Raymond H. Norlin, 75, of Sleepy Hollow, died peacefully Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in his home with his family by his side.
Ray is survived by his wife Linda (nee Mountain); his children Erik (Rommel Famatid) Norlin, Megan Norlin and Brad Norlin; his granddaughters, Emma and Lucy; his sisters, Audrey Nankervis, Marie (Morris) Dalby and Helene Leaf; and many nieces and nephews.
Ray was born February 28, 1948, to parents Harry and Lucile (nee Westberg) Norlin. He grew up in the city of Chicago and was a quintessential boy – finding mischief wherever he could, looking for any way possible to get out of school, teasing his four older sisters (family lore says he may even have put snakes in Helene’s bed) and generally keeping his mother on her toes, and likely up at night. Later, his family split their time between the city and a farm in Algonquin. It was here that Ray began to learn the value of hard work, working alongside his father in doing everything from baling hay to working the land and eventually raising barns. Ray’s time on the farm was important in shaping his life – from then on, he always loved wide open spaces, working with his hands and animals.
As a young man, he dedicated himself to his studies, attending Northern Illinois University (NIU) and earning a bachelor’s degree in Biology. It was at NIU that he met the love of his life, Linda. She thought he was cute the first time they met, but believed he was much younger than her thanks to his baby face (something he never lost). But, a romance ensued and eventually, Ray, in his no-nonsense manner suggested they should get married. They were married August 12, 1972, and began their life together in married housing at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where Ray was two years away from earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Upon earning his degree, Ray and Linda settled in the Dundee area, where Ray began working at Dundee Animal Hospital. Ray dedicated himself to the practice, providing financial stability for his family while also building life-long friendships with his colleagues and many of his clients. Ray worked for Dundee Animal Hospital for 39 years, eventually becoming a partner in the practice and guiding its successful expansion to three locations inclusive of Elgin and Algonquin.
Together Ray and Linda had three children, and even with a demanding work schedule, Ray always made time to attend track meets, basketball games, plays and art shows and provided hours of math and science homework help over the years. The family enjoyed vacations to Florida, Washington DC and the Black Hills, but their favorite place was always the family gathering spot, Lake Lucile. While raising his kids, Ray was sure to instill the “Norlin work ethic”, guiding each of them to success in their own careers in finance, operations and graphic design.
At 65, Ray retired, but ever a curious mind, began focusing his time on a myriad of hobbies. Most notably, cars. Ray bought a 1969 Chevy Camaro and he spent hours tinkering with it in the garage and working with restoration companies to bring it back to its former glory. His hard work paid off when his car was selected to be featured in Popular Hot Rodding magazine. Other cars, including Corvettes, became part of his collection, and he and Linda spent time on the “Power Tour” visiting with other Corvette enthusiasts across several states. Ray also loved gardening (Linda swears that every year he added another row or two to his garden in the backyard) and spending time on his tractor at Lake Lucile. Ray also picked up photography, a hobby he and his daughter shared, and together they photographed the Grand Canyon at dawn and sites throughout Yosemite National Park.
In the later years of his life, Ray’s biggest joy was his granddaughters. He always attended Grandparents Day at their school (his favorite day of the year, he said), loved taking trips to the National Parks with them, never turned down a game of cards and delighted in their stories, mannerisms and achievements.
Ray’s was a humble and beautiful life… 51 years of marriage, 3 children, 2 grandchildren and a host of people throughout the community who loved him and enjoyed his company. He will be missed every moment of every day.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Charles; his sister, Dorothy Carlborg; his brothers-in law, Bob Carlborg, John Nankervis, and Reverend John Leaf; and his nephew Jeff Nankervis.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a service at 12:30 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ray’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/.
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772.
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I never met Raymond, but through this beautifully and lovingly written obituary I am so happy this man lived and made such a difference for his family. My love is extended to Erik, my dear friend, and the entire Norlin family. I’m wishing you all peace and joy.
It was wonderful to work and bowl with Ray. He was missed as soon as he retired and I will continue to miss him. Condolences to his family.
I am so sorry for your loss, I had no idea. my prayers are with you. peace to your family.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Ray was a dear friend and colleague who shared with anyone who would listen his view of whatever subject matter.... affectionately known as "Norlisums". Really gonna miss you Ray. RIP
Dear Aunt Linda, Erik, Megan, and Brad; You are in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Ray will be dearly missed - from his laughter to the many stories he told of his childhood years. I will miss him. I have dear, sweet memories of all of our times at the lake, the farm and Christmas gatherings growing up. I also have wonderful memories of a couple Westberg family reunions with many extended family members. Rest In Peace https://defiorefuneral.com/obituaries/2320/raymond-h-norlin - God’s peace be with those who mourn.
Beautifully written. I knew Ray from Schurz high school ROTC. We kept in touch a bit through friends and facebook. So sorry for your loss.
Dear Linda and family,it is with a heavy heart hearing of Ray’s passing. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
I worked with Dr. Norlin (Ray, I always found it hard to call hime by his first name, even though he didn't mind) at Dundee Animal Hospital from 2004 until he retired. Ray was always upbeat, loved sharing stories and was genuinely kind. I would greet him with a "Good morning Dr. Norlin. How you doing today?" as he made his way through the kennel to his desk,and his response was always sunny and positive.- "Fantastic!", "Couldn't be better!" and "It's going to be a great day!" That always made my day a bite better, brighter. May Dr. Norlin, Ray, rest in peace and enjoy the after life cruising around in a souped up hotrod.
Dr. Ray Norlin was not only an outstanding veterinarian, but a wonderful boss who let you know constantly how valuable you were as a person and as an employee. I was blessed to come to know Dr. Nolin working for him as a veterinary technician from 2005 until his retirement from Dundee Animal Hospital. He made coming to work so enjoyable every day. Always positive and upbeat. Always asking how I was, and most importantly always making you aware of how appreciative he was to be working by your side, and of your hard work. My favorite thing was always Dr. Norlin's daily jokes he would tell me. I loved them!l & shared them with others! My sincere condolences to the his family and to his friends. I missed him as a boss the day he retired. I know he will be truly missed as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. My prayers and love to all of you at this time. Please find peace knowing Dr. Ray Norlin is surrounded by a captive audience waiting for that next joke. ♥️♥️♥️
I am very sad to hear of Ray’s passing. We worked together for 24 years and I will miss his smile and calm demeanor. Rest in peace, “Uncle Ray”.
Ray and I attended Belding school. Please accept my sincere condolences.
My deepest sympathies to the family of my kindergartener friend Ray.
rest easy 'Doc'; loved your lunchroom snack of chocolate milk and potato chips.
Ray was my many Bassets and Cats doctor for 35 years. We faced many medical challenges over the years and Ray would go to the medical library to do research. He always said “You’re guys never read the book on Normal” He loved sharing his newest joke during our vet visits and many times went above and beyond for my animals. Sometimes there are no words only thoughts from the heart. Ray will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. RIP
I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss talking to Ray very much. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray, Linda and the rest of the family.
Ray Norlin was the friend I appreciated the most, he was truly special person in my life. Throughout the last 35 years we talked almost every month, where he cheerfully announced “it’s your only friend in the world.” I have the fondest memories of our Saturday night dinners to trying to build a perpetual motion machine out of used beer cans. It's these memories that will continue to remind me of some of the best times in my life. RIP my Friend!
So sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories growing up with him. I was so happy for him when he found you Linda. He was so lucky. He will be missed ❤️
Dr. Norlin mentored us through 6 pets over the years and his great care of them was a blessing for us. May he rest in peace.
Dr Norlin was a great man. We as a family had him for out get many years. He had a heart of gold. Will never forget that laugh of his. Rest in peace dr Norlin. You’ll be missed by many families
Very sadden by the loss of such a great guy, loved to talk to Ray about cars, pets and stocks and other hobbies, Ray will be deeply missed, deepest sympathy to the Norlin Family. Rest in Peace!
I was so saddened to hear of Ray's passing. I've had the pleasure of working with him at Dundee Animal Hospital from 1993 until his retirement. My fondest memories of him included finding a nearly rotted banana in the back of a cabinet in the conference room and Ray said, "So THAT's where that was...!" One time, he had been evaluating the abdominal x-ray of a dog and, noticing the placement indicator was in his field of view said, " Well, the dog will be ok once he gets rid of that " R "! Many of our conversations over the years involved family, cars, music and adult beverages. He had pointed me in the direction of some great wines to try and had given me a new appreciation of classic rock. Ray never hesitated to let us know how much he appreciated our hard work, and when things got hectic, shared a joke to lighten the mood. He had a great relationship with his clients and patients. And no doubt about it, he loved his family and was proud to share the latest achievements. Please know that you all have my deepest sympathy and I'm thinking of you during this very difficult time. Ray will be greatly missed.
Ray was a wonderful vet. He was skilled at his craft and caring and compassionate about both the pets and the people who were fortunate enough to receive his care. I want to extend my deepest condolences to his family, his collogues, his friends and to anyone else who knew and loved Ray. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and he will definitely be missed. He had a wonderful life.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, father, uncle etc. I met Ray along time ago with my folks Don and Doris Nielson Dalby Munger. He was a happy fellow and yes had a baby face. Such a nice and gentle man. May the Lord watch over you all and again my deepest sympathies.
I started my vet career in the early 1990's working for Ray. He was a great role model for how to keep a smile on your face, be a leader and practice veterinary medicine. Thinking of Ray brings back only positive, happy memories. I'm thankful he was there for me when I started. My heartfelt condolences to Linda and his family.
I just found out that Ray passed away. He was a dear friend and my kitties vet for 20 years. We send our deepest condolences to his beloved family. May his memory be for a blessing.