Rufus Nelson Norris, formerly of Westbury, died on Aug. 21, 1999, at home in Willits, CA. He was the husband of Maria (Marrodan) Norris of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was a music teacher at the Westbury Junior High School for 26 years until his retirement in 1981.

An involved member of the Westbury community, Mr. Norris founded and directed the Heritage Chorale. He was also owner/teacher of the Norris Voice Studio on Cambridge Ave. and the bass soloist in several LI churches and synagogues.

Prior to his employment with the Westbury Public School System, Mr. Norris was a professor of voice and conductor of the touring choir at Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC. He also toured with the Gilbert and Sullivan Repertory Company, The Desert Song, and Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians.

Another of his many accomplishments was the production of his one-man show entitled, "Death is a Nuisance," in which he re-created the songs and prose of Carl Sandburg. He toured this show, internationally, to great acclaim. He had spent the last several years living and working in the San Francisco area in theater, movies and television.

Mr. Norris received his BA from the University of NC at Chapel Hill and his MA from Teachers' College, Columbia University.

He is survived by his wife, Maria, and four children from his marriage to the late Beverly (Hunziker) Norris: daughter, Linda Norris-Fiegel of Bethlehem, PA; daughter Sharon N. McGee of PA; son, Christopher of Los Angeles, CA; son, Kevin of Boston, MA; daughter Carolyn Clement of NY (from a previous marriage); and six grandchildren.

His family and friends will celebrate his life at a gathering in Willits, CA on the first weekend in December. Anyone wishing to contact family members can do so through Sharon Norris McGee at 143 E. Main St., Bath, PA 18014. Memorial contributions can be made to Phoenix Hospice or Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital, 1 Madrone St., Willits, CA 95490.