tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post4105907987095416461..comments2024-03-28T09:39:47.856-07:00Comments on Flint Expatriates: Dying for MichiganFlint Expatriateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352270564340149006noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244123422713926575.post-79395117449390712032011-07-19T06:51:15.324-07:002011-07-19T06:51:15.324-07:00Norm Cash had a condo in Charlevoix, Michigan wher...Norm Cash had a condo in Charlevoix, Michigan where he lived with his second wife. He was a familiar figure in Little Traverse Bay area as was Bill Freehan who lived on Walloon Lake near Charlevoix.<br /><br />Cash frequently took his boat out to Beaver Island which is about 35 to 40 miles due north from the shores of Charlevoix. He was having some drinks with his wife and a friend of theirs at the Shamrock Bar -- a favorite watering hole on the island. One of Cash's favorite spots after a nice long boat ride out on Lake Michigan.<br /><br />After a few too many drinks, Cash went out to check on the boat for a moment because a storm was brewing. The boat docks were slippery from the cold rain and it was highly speculated that he slipped and hit his head on the dock, rendering him unconscious, and he fell in the water that evening. He was found floating in the St. James Bay at the boat docks of downtown Beaver Island.<br /><br />I remember that morning well, I was eating breakfast in Charlevoix when the news came across the radio that Detroit's beloved "Stormin' Norman" was found dead in the water at Beaver Island.<br /><br />24 years earlier, I was a boy growing up in Flint. Norm Cash was signing autographs at a IGA store on Lapeer Road. I was there. I have a picture of Norm and me from that day and his autograph. That day was cool . . . the day in Charlevoix the morning they found him was not so cool.Scott McKinstrynoreply@blogger.com