Tribute Notifications
Click below if you would like to be notified when a new tribute is posted.
Greg Norton
October 8, 1952 - February 25, 2018
Tribute
The Norton family so very much regrets to say Greg Norton died suddenly in Mexico last week, February 25, 2018. Chris, Jesse, Sara, and Deirdre were with him to celebrate our friend’s wedding…… and then he died.
His surviving family wife Chris, son Jesse (Brandi), daughter Sara and granddaughter Deirdre Shaw, sister Nita (Moe) Takeuchi and their children are joined by many extended family members and friends in disbelief. His parents Eric and Babe Norton are both deceased.
What was Greg involved in? He loved the outdoors with all his heart and spent most of his life trying to save it. The meetings started 40 years ago with the Sportsman Club, then the Wildlife Federation (vice-president) evolved to Regional District chairman, creation of SIR, Cherry Growers Association instigator and president, National Park Coalition, Loose Bay Campground creator, Starling program, Environmental Farm Plan member, BC Agriculture Council, and most recently Agricultural Land Commissioner. Probably have missed quite a few but he was on the phone a lot.
Before he took over the family farm from dad Eric in 1986 he worked for the irrigation district starting out in the ditch and graduating to foreman.
After he returned from his Rotary exchange adventure in Taiwan he changed his life to farming.
His other loves were divided between cherries and hunting/fishing as much as the orchards let him. Or maybe family and friends. So many people counted on Greg’s help and he always delivered. His enthusiasm and curiosity were boundless.
We’re celebrating Greg’s life with a Coffee Party at the Oliver Community Hall Saturday March 10th, at 10 a.m. Come join us for a coffee and stories about Greg.
We’re expecting lots of people will bring the cookies!
If you would like to make a donation in his name his choice would be Loose Bay Campground Society, 953 Willowbrook Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T5, but feel free to donate to any cause.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKfV4MCFCH4
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Barry and Irmi Critcher
Relation: Fellow farmer, Committee member on the Environmental Farm Plan group and a friend
We are so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing, I met Greg many years ago at one of our committee meetings and have been friends ever since. He was a farmer first but he was also very involved to better the farming industry. He was outspoken and always called a “spade” a “spade”. He visited us on our farm in the Peace Country where he and Jesse hunted on our farm. He always brought us some fruit from his farm and had stories to tell when he rode along in the combine. Greg we will miss you! Barry & Irmi
From: Todd Cashin
Relation: Agriculture Community Colleague
I knew Greg as the ALC Commissioner for the South Okanagan and always looked forward to chatting with him at our site visits or regular meetings. Greg regularly challenged staff to make sure that there was always a benefit to agriculture in everything that we did, he was always very fair, a straight shooter and always a ton of fun to be around. Greg will be deeply missed and leaves a huge hole in the valley’s agricultural community.
From: Wendy McLeod-Kreller
Relation: childhood friend
Chris and family….I am so sorry for your loss. My first memories of Greg were when the Norton family lived on 2A Rd. Not sure what it is called now. Greg was such a happy person, over the years I would often run into him when I visited my parents. He always had a moment to chat. He will be greatly missed by the whole community of Oliver. I will be thinking of the whole family.
From: Ed,Teresa Maurer, Barb simpson
It is with profound sadnesss we send this message.I spoke with Greg at length before your trip to Mexico…..He will help Heaven Grow a little better…..and be greatly missed here in Oliver.
From: Terry Reimer
Relation: School friend
Very sorry to hear about Greg. School sports and rotten fruit and tomato fights in the orchard come to mind. Take care Chris and family.
From: John and Darlene Chapman
We’ve all lost a great man from our lives. Chris, Sara, Jesse, Nita and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Craig Hunter
Relation: Met and worked with him at annual Minor Use Pesticide meetings in Ottawa.
My condolences to all of Greg’s family on your sudden loss. Greg was a great advocate on behalf of fellow growers at our annual Minor Use meetings. He will be remembered and missed by a great number of growers across Canada.
From: Al McFadden
Relation: Friend from across the country
Chris and family. The news of Greg is trully sad. Greg was a great advocate for agriculture. He will be greatly missed as a true friend.
From: Bill Truscott
Relation: Friend
Greg we are going back to miss you so much. Those long late night phone calls talking about farming, family and laughing. So sorry for Chris and your family. And sad for our country. You were one in a billion and we will all treasure the time we had with you.
From: Hugh Philip
Relation: Worked with Greg on OKSIR Board and various industry committees and projects.
Greg will surely be missed by his many friends and fellow growers as they adjust to not having Greg up front fighting for growers’ interests and advancement of the tree fruit industry in the valley. Greg was the first chair of the SIR Program and his commitment to the program helped it get over some initial bumpy times as it expanded its coverage and eventually produced remarkable results.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
March 10, 2018
Beginning at 10:00am
Location:
Oliver Community Centre
6359 Park Drive
Oliver, BC Canada
Coffee party, celebrating Greg Norton’s life.
10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive, Oliver, BC.
We got the coffee, you bring the cookies!
6359 Park Drive
Oliver, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
Donations are gratefully accepted for Loose Bay Campground Society, 953 Willowbrook Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T5.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Greg Norton
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.
