Legendary Hull comedian Norman Collier dies at 87
COMEDIAN Norman Collier has passed away aged 87 after a seven year battle with Parkinson's Disease.
He died last night at Brough Manor Residential Care Home.
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Hull-born comedian Norman Collier dies at 87.
Norman was born on Christmas Day in 1925 and was devoted to Lucy - his wife of more than 60 years - his three children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His career spans more than six decades and the funnyman was well-known for his 'faulty microphone' routine and chicken impressions.
His daughter Karen and son-in-law John Ainsley, both 57, have described him as a "kind, decent and hilarious man" who found joy in making people laugh.
They said: "Norman was someone who never courted fame or fortune and the man he was on stage was the same man he was in day-to-day life.
"We were all close to him and there aren't any words to describe the love and adoration we had for him. He had been described as 'the comedian's comedian' and he was loved by his fellow pros."
Norman died at 6.05pm last night surrounded by his family who had spent the day with him at the nursing home he had spent time in since his condition deteriorated.
• Profile: Norman Collier, Hull's great funnyman
• Video: Norman Collier does chicken and faulty microphone comedy routines
• Comedy stars pay tribute to Norman Collier
• Gallery: Pictures of comedian Norman Collier from the Mail archives
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by robzac
Saturday, April 13 2013, 2:04PM
“My brother who passed away was a Magician and shared some great times with Norman. He told me they were once on a train platform when suddenly Norman started walking in slow motion, he pointed to a yellow ticket machine on the wall and whispered " SPEED CAMERA". My brother spoke so highly of Norman, not just as a brilliant entertainer but as a lovely human being . God bless you sir, Robbie.”
by thesnooper
Saturday, March 16 2013, 12:26AM
“a ver ad ay for comedy nd roken micro nes
his type of comedy is getting less and less all the greats have just about gone now, bernard manning, morcombe and wise and many othres”
by 012345678
Friday, March 15 2013, 10:01PM
“Manitou- Exactly what I was thinking , surely a statue of the great man and a road named after him is the least we can do to honour Norman , a Hull lad through and through who brought great joy and laughter to so many !”
by northyorkie
Friday, March 15 2013, 8:13PM
“Bon Voyage Norman! I will never forget spending at least two or three hours sat next to you in the lounge bar in Springhead Golf Club. It was without doubt, truly one of the most memorable occasions of both my life and those of a group of other members, I don't think any us could stop laughing - not just at the jokes but also at the stories of your life - especially the venues you had played during those early years.
As a professional from another 'walk of life', I salute you for the joy and pleasure your wonderful humour has given over the years to thousands of people up and down this land.
God bless and a safe journey - 'til we meet again for another laugh with the angels!”
by Manitou
Friday, March 15 2013, 7:50PM
“Didn't realise he was from Hull,can we have a statue of him instead of a racist from Coventry?”
by Demonica666
Friday, March 15 2013, 7:33PM
“A sad day for British comedy. I met him recently and he still had his sparkle despite being in poor health. Deepest sympathy to his family.”
by Very_Reverend
Friday, March 15 2013, 5:31PM
“I once had a wee next to him. Don't fret, we were in a gents toilet. All very right and proper.”
by davehessle
Friday, March 15 2013, 5:05PM
“RIP Funny Man, check out Norman on You Tube there's some really great stuff, including the microphone sketch.”
by SnothillBaz
Friday, March 15 2013, 4:12PM
“One of Norman's jokes:
Chicken farmer realised that housewives prefered to buy chicken legs and there were never enough chicken legs in the supermarkets, so he managed to breed six-legged chickens.... problem was he could not catch the chickens! Ho Ho Ho!”
by SCOTTYLAD
Friday, March 15 2013, 3:46PM
“R.I.P Mr Norman Collier, a great comedian. Condolensces to Lucy, Karen, John and the rest of the family I attended South Hunsley School with both Karen and also John Ainsley, and remember Norman coming to the school on several occasions and supporting activities.A very much loved man.”