Norris E Lenahan

The life and death of Columbus native Norris E. Lenahan, 77, is best expressed through scripture 2 Timothy 4:7. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

A lifelong Columbus resident and a summertime member of the Lakeside Chautauqua community on Lake Erie, Norris was a three-sport athlete at Brookhaven High School and the first Bearcat to return to Brookhaven as a teacher following his 1970 graduation from Otterbein College (now University), with degrees in both business and education.

As Brookhaven’s football, boys’ tennis, and girls’ basketball coach, Norris shared in the accomplishments of his students as they “fought the good fight” both on and off the playing fields. Following his twelve years in education, Norris worked as a stockbroker for A.G. Edwards.

An avid harness racing fan and devoted owner of Standardbred horses for over 35 years, Norris was especially proud of horses “CSI Love Hurts” and “Mac Port” as they repeatedly -- and victoriously -- crossed their own finish lines.

Known for his love of the great cuts of meat from Weiland’s Market on Indianola, Norris embraced being part of the “Before the Internet” generation by rejecting the need for an email address or technology more sophisticated than a flip phone. In keeping with his mindset, the family is not providing online links for those wishing to make donations in his memory. Instead, please go “old school” by writing a check, applying a stamp, and using cursive to address an envelope mailed to either of the following:

The Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, Ohio 43440, memo line “Lenahan” – OR – Otterbein University Institutional Advancement, 1 South Grove Street, Westerville, Ohio, 43081, memo line “Lenahan Scholarship.”

Norris is survived by his sister Janet (nee Lenahan) Dwyer and brother-in-law Ronald Dwyer of Columbus, as well as cousins Judy and Gary Campbell, Nancy and Gene Crooks, and Beth and John New and their families. He was preceded in death by his father Dr. Norris Lenahan, his mother Ernestine Lenahan, and sister Dr. Florence Lenahan. A private service will be held at a date yet to be determined.