Norman Lilly

Norman Lilly ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service on Mar. 3, 2026.Norman "Barry" Lilly, age 85, peacefully passed away on March 1, 2026 at Breton Extended Care at Breton Woods.Born to Norman A. Lilly and Ethel H. Lilly, Barry was raised in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, and remained a lifelong resident of the Grand Rapids community he loved so dearly. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, beginning a distinguished career marked by professionalism, leadership, and integrity.During his accomplished career, Barry worked for Johnson Controls and FTC&H, and later served as Chief Executive Officer of Tower Pinkster. He devoted his professional expertise to numerous landmark projects that helped shape the skyline and civic life of Grand Rapids.Among the major projects he was proud to help design were the Steelcase Headquarters Pyramid, the Grand Rapids City Courthouse, and the Amway Grand Plaza. Through his work, Barry quietly gave back to the community he called home, leaving a lasting legacy in buildings that will serve generations to come.Barry was a Past President and Life Member of ASHRAE and a Life Member of the Association for Facilities Engineering. He was also a member of the Construction Financial Management Association and remained active in the University of Michigan Alumni Association.While Barry took great pride in his professional accomplishments, he considered his family to be his greatest and most meaningful achievement. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He shared 61 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Sheryl. He was the proud father of Scott (Kara) and John (Kate), and the cherished "Papa" of Megan, Grace, Ella, and Remy, who brought him immeasurable joy.Barry was a man of many interests and talents. He had a lifelong love of sailing and power boating on Lake Michigan and was a devoted member of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club for over 50 years. Barry and Sheryl shared their love of boating, embarking on the memorable adventure of completing the Great Loop aboard their 40-foot trawler, a journey they treasured deeply. In later years, he found great satisfaction in building model boats and crafting special projects for his grandchildren. He also returned to his childhood love of playing the drums, a hobby he first began as a young boy.Barry will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, steady leadership, and unwavering devotion to his family. He valued his friends, colleagues, and community greatly and left a lasting impression on all who knew him.The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Faith Hospice and the nursing staff at Breton Extended Care for the compassionate care and support shown during Barry's final days.Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. S.W., Byron Center, MI 49315, or to the Holland Home Resident Assistance Fund, 2100 Raybrook S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546.A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church where family and friends are invited to attend visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norman Lilly, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.