Michigan Ski Community Lost an Iconic Figure with Norm Brown’s Passing

The Grand Rapids area of Michigan lost a ski retail icon this summer with the passing of Norm Brown, the founder of Norm’s Ski Shop in Greenville, Michigan. Norm passed away in June at the age of 95 years. In the days and weeks before Norm’s death, he reportedly spent time doing what he loved most – traveling, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying the outdoors.

Norman (Norm) Earl Brown was born July 22, 1930, in Belding, Michigan, the son of Linus and Ruth (Thomas) Brown. Norm married Marilyn Fries Brown, his high school sweetheart, in 1948 and they were married for 52 years before her death in 2001. The pair spent their honeymoon in Lake Placid, New York which began their lifelong passion for worldwide travel and adventure. Norm and Marilyn’s love for the outdoors led to their hobbies of downhill skiing, canoe racing, and sailing.

Norm graduated from Belding High School in 1949. After high school, Norm was mentored by his father-in-law Ernest Fries and Greenville Tool & Die founder Stan Ash. This foundation encouraged Norm to earn his certification as a journeyman tool and die maker which marked the beginning of his innovative and creative professional life.

Bringing together their love for skiing and the outdoors with Norm’s training as a highly skilled machinist and artisan, Norm and Marilyn established Norm’s Ski Shop in 1955 which was the oldest ski shop in Michigan still run by the original owner.

Over the years, Norm established himself as one of the best ski boot fitters in the ski business. He built tools and designs for ski boot fitting and cold tuning skis that no one else could conceive or do. Norm was always eager to share his theories and ideas for how to make downhill skiing the best sport it could be. He never forgot a face and was always eager to impart his knowledge about the art of skiing upon customers, peers, and mentees. Norm happily worked in the ski shop during the 2025-2026 winter season as he never wanted to stop doing what he loved so deeply. Norm’s Ski Shop will remain open as Norm’s daughter Chris and son-in-law Gregg will carry forward Norm and Marilyn’s legacy.

For many, Norm seemed to be an immortal giant. He climbed the Grand Teton with his son Bart, sailed from Seattle, Washington to Alaska, and raced the AuSable River Canoe Marathon nine times. Norm built professional racing canoes and a Westsail 32 sailboat, named “Edelweiss”, which traversed the Great Lakes with Norm and Marilyn as co-captains. He also traveled the world by ski, sailboat, and PT Cruiser with family and friends as he always desired to reach new heights.

He was a true friend who always showed up and advocated for those he cared for which made Norm dependable and respected. Norm’s work ethic and drive to always be the best was inspiring for many especially by those who had the privilege of learning, working, and adventuring alongside him. It is for these reasons that Norm’s Way at Crystal Mountain and the Norm Brown GS Invitational are named after him and his wife Marilyn.

Norm was proud of his four children, Bart, Vicki, Tracey, and Chris, who will continue to carry on his legacy.

Norm is survived by his children Bart Brown of Greenville, Vicki (Wayne) Korson of Canadian Lakes, Tracey (Tom) Koperski of East Grand Rapids, and Chris (Gregg) Glasco of Kent City; five grandchildren Kim Korson (Perry), Rex (Jessica) Korson, Dylan Brown, Kaitlin (Bill) Popielarz, and Maggie (Kyle) Kimball; and five great grandchildren Jack, T.J., Noah, Lily, and Charlie. He was preceded in death by his parents Linus and Ruth Brown, wife Marilyn, and his sister Barb.