Douglas Norton

It is with immense sadness that the family of Douglas Norton from Sunny Corner announces his passing at the Miramichi Hospital on September 11, 2024 at the age of 91. Doug was the youngest and last surviving member of his family born to Stephen and May (Waye) Norton of Hilltop, NB.

He is survived by his wife, Joan (Tozer) Norton of 64 years; daughter Charlene Gibson (Dale), Fort McMurray, Alberta and son Robert (Kathryn) Norton, Miramichi; grandsons David Norton, Miramichi and Liam Gibson, Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario; sisters-in-law Audrey Tozer (late Bobbie), Sunny Corner; Dale Tozer, Fredericton, NB and Geraldine Black (Douglas) Quispamsis, NB and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brothers Burton, Willis, Weldon, Harvey, Ronald, Herschel, Bobbie, Leonard, Hubert and Henry; sisters Annie, Alice and Olive; nieces Betty Ann (McCoombs) Redmond and Winnie (Norton) McKibbon; nephews Steven Norton, Paul Norton, Gordon Norton, Donald McCoombs, William McCoombs and John Downs.

Doug was a member of the United church of Canada and attended St. Stephen’s United Church in Red Bank. He was a former elder of Wesley United Church. He spent many years with his “mower buddies” maintaining the cemetery grounds of Wesley United. He was a proud charter member of the North and South Esk Lions Club in Sunny Corner, and for 48 years enjoyed the comradery of his fellow lions. He was also a member of the Island View Seniors’ Club and their card club. In previous years he participated in the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Fundraising drive.

Doug enjoyed watching all sports, but football with Tom Brady was probably his favorite. Following his retirement, he enjoyed visiting other parts of the world by way of cruise lines and airlines. He was so proud of his grandsons and were by far his greatest enjoyment.

At 17 years of age, he (like many young men from the area), went to Port Arthur, (now Thunder Bay, Ont,) in search of work where he found employment with Abitibi. Other work experience included Leach Goldmines in NB and Waldo Enterprises in Montreal. He started employment with Heath Steele Mines in 1962 and remained there until his retirement in 1993.

Over the years, Doug had many health related issues, including being a two-time cancer survivor. He met the challenges of all issues the way he lived his life—taking one day at a time with little or no stress.

He was strong in his faith, and when health prevented him from attending church in person, he faithfully did so online.

The family wishes to express their thanks to Doctor Lehnert for his care of Douglas over the years; the staff at Emerg. and 2 West and their kind and thoughtful neighbours.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at Northumberland Funeral Home Chapel, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 2 pm, with Rev. Geza Szemok officiating. Interment will take place in Wesley United Cemetery, in Trout Brook.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephen’s United Church, General Fund, Red Bank or Wesley United Church Cemetery Fund in Trout Brook or a charity of the donor’s choice.

 What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we

can never lose, for all that we love deeply 

 becomes part of us.—(Helen Keller)

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.