Norman Lloyd Colbry, age 81, of North Lake, passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1944, in Alma, Michigan, the son of Norman and Ruth (Lindsley) Colbry. He was raised in Breckenridge, Michigan, with his siblings Ann, Jeanine, and Joel, and graduated from Breckenridge High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Adrian College, where he met Alberta McKinney; they were married on August 20, 1966.
Norm earned a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Ohio University, and co-authored dozens of papers and patents documenting his passion for using science in service to others. As an expert in high-pressure chemistry, he helped develop chemical compounds and processes leading to new medicines and treatments that improve the lives of tens of millions of patients every year. He served on the board of the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society and received a Technical Award in Organic Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. The results of his decades in the lab continue to impact future generations, with his papers cited hundreds of times since his retirement from Pfizer in 2006.
His life of service carried far beyond his professional career, and Norm was deeply involved in his community through the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Meals on Wheels, the Jaycees, and the Lions Club. His years of service and leadership, including numerous officer roles, were recognized with awards including the Regional Lion of the Year, the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship, and the Jaycees JCI Senatorship. Through Habitat for Humanity and Faith in Action, Norm helped build and repair homes and address practical needs to improve the lives of those around him. A caring friend, Norm helped maintain the Park Lawn Beach Association grounds for his neighbors and traveled thousands of miles on his bicycle with friends.
Norm and Alberta raised two children, Tricia (Michael) Taylor of Grass Lake, MI, and Dirk (Katy) Colbry of Okemos, MI, and were blessed with six grandchildren: Alonzo and Zachary Taylor, and Catt, Grace, Jack and Kenneth Colbry. They were “Nana and Papa” to many more family and friends. Norm and Alberta created a welcoming home on North Lake and celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with one last boat tour of the lake together. Norm spent his final days enjoying his lake view, watching his grandkids splash in the water, and visiting with many loved ones. In addition to his spouse, children, and grandchildren, Norm is survived by his sisters-in-law, Diane Colbry and Nellie (Claude) Tanner, and generations of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joy Barrett officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church (chelseaumc.org) or Arbor Hospice (arborhospice.org).
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
