Washington, D.C. (January 17th) The leadership of the Ad Committee and our many members wish to express our heartfelt sadness on learning of the death of Norman Houston in Belfast this week. Norman represented Northern Ireland for over 15 years as the Director of the Northern Ireland Bureau during the most political of times from the end of the Troubles, to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the establishment of new Executive in Stormont. Norman always rose to the occasion. He was a first class diplomat who always punched above his weight for a nation that desperately needed help.
Norman would arrange and bring the First Minister of Northern Ireland Ian Paisley and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to Washington to meet with President Clinton and key members of Congress who had worked so hard to support the Good Friday Agreement. This was not an easy task that required the skills of the most consummate diplomat. In the years that followed Norman continued to represent the people of Northern Ireland. Doors opened in Washington D.C. at the White House, the State Department and in the Congress for Northern Ireland because Norman was trusted and well respected.
Norman had many friends in the United States and we were so pleased when the Queen honored him with an OBE. We extend our sympathy to his children Cloe and Connor; Norman was devoted to both of them. His friends in the United States are devastated. We remember Norman as a diplomat and we also remember Norman as a friend and he had many – Yes he was humble and absolute gentlemen but he was also caring, great fun and a person who could tell you the real story when you needed to know. He trusted America and we trusted Norman. Here are some sentiments from our members.
Cong. Jim Walsh: He was a Prince of a Man. From my experience in public life I don’t believe I ever met anyone who better exemplified the humble spirit of public service than Norman. When I think of Norman Houston I am reminded of St. Francis’s prayer; “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace”. Norman was dedicated to the people of Northern Ireland and to building a strong enduring relationship between our countries. In this he was highly successful.
Carol Wheeler, founder of the Washington Ireland Program: In truth, I still remain speechless about his death. Everyone who knew or worked with him has a shared experience. His consummate professionalism and success in that realm is certainly a part of it along with his wit and ability to find just the right quip to describe every possible situation. But it’s was his out-size heart and genius for friendship that will be missed most. Norman’s generosity of spirit and his insistence on finding and feeding (literally in many instances!) the good in all of us was something wonderful. Of all things I prize was his deep caring for the young people of the Washington Ireland Program. He taught them, he feed them, he housed then and he cared for them. He saw the future in all of our WIP students. And we – and the world – are better because of that.
Kitty Higgins, former Cabinet Secretary to President Clinton: I remember his generosity and hospitality. His diplomatic service didn’t begin and end with the traditional work day. He never stopped. He was always reaching out, finding ways to bring people together, whether or not they were personally involved in Northern Ireland issues. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. He was the consummate host and guest. Norman never sought the limelight and he always crediting others for good things that happened; always finding ways to connect people who didn’t know each other but knew him. He loved his time in the States and seriously thought about retiring here. I always felt that if Norman were in charge the divisions that continue to plague NI would be resolved through the sheer force of his personality, kindness, commitment and determination. NI and the world would be better if there were more Norman Houston leading us forward.
Susan Davis, CEO of Susan Davis International: Dearest friend Norman Houston died suddenly, a massive loss for the world. He was the most brilliant, kind, generous ambassador for Northern Ireland, formally and informally. He was young and had so much more to do. And he was family. Norman and my mother Vivian were pals in every sense of the word. And both agreed he was adopted after his own Mother died 9 years ago. He was a permanent guest at every one of my parties and sorely missed when he could not come. He was the ultimate diplomat and the ultimate friend. A working class boy awarded an OBE by the Queen and always looking out for those less fortunate. He will be so missed and always remembered. Norman was a gift that kept on giving. We were so lucky to have him in our lives.
Norman was especially close the Washington Ireland Program and over the years arranging both internships and housing for the students from Northern Ireland who were part of the program. Norman opened both his heart and his home to them and made sure that they had a first level education in the politics of Washington D.C.
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