Rick Norton

Rick Norton, husband, brother, father, and grandfather, left us on August 14, 2014. His death was by two sudden life-ending strokes, and he died the way he wanted – quickly and without fanfare. While his family is devastated and will miss him in immeasurable ways, we know he’ll face this new adventure with the same determination and good humor as he did everything else.
Rick was born in Mandan, North Dakota, on March 26, 1950, to Norma Jean (Baudien) and Jarvis (Red) Norton. His big brother, Mike, welcomed him into the family as any big brother would. Rick also had two loved younger siblings, his sister, Janice, and brother, Ken. (With all that sibling rivalry it’s no wonder Rick decided to go into law enforcement.)
Rick served in the U.S. Air Force in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Guam with honor and pride. He continued to be a fan of aircraft and aircraft carriers, touring ships whenever possible. His service to his country resulted in disabling injuries, but he rarely complained of his pain, nor did he allow it to slow him down.
Rick worked in law enforcement in the Air Force, and then as a Morton County
Deputy Sheriff. From there he became a police officer for Bismarck and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and was a Reserve Deputy for the Salt Lake County Sheriff in Utah. He studied to be a paralegal, earned his BS, and successfully worked in that field in Salt Lake City for 34 years.
Rick married Joan Hoffmann in 1970, and together they welcomed two daughters, Carrie and Katy, who remember him as a kind and loving Dad who zealously scrutinized their boyfriends. His only grandchild, Carter, was born to Carrie and her husband, Rich (Richmond), in 2002. Rick took a shine to Katy’s choice of husbands, Ken.
Rick married Marianne in 1992, and they have been soul mates ever since. Together they did their best to raise a large pack of Welsh Corgis, several cats, and three horses. Marianne and Rick went adventuring to exotic locations near and far. They snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, fed turtles in the Caribbean, and hiked through Yellowstone’s amazing landscapes. They sunned on the beaches of Hawaii and went cruising nearly every year. If Marianne stopped at a few too many gift shops, Rick didn’t seem to mind. In fact, his extensive wardrobe of vacation tee shirts, watches, and ball caps suggest he enjoyed shopping nearly as much as she did.
Rick will be missed by his loving family, friends, and colleagues. We will remember his way of smiling (“Smile, Dad.” “I am smiling.”) (we miss his moustache), and his dry wit (“What are your intentions with my daughter?”). (Except, he was serious…)
Rick is survived by his wife, Marianne, daughter Carrie Norton (Hailey, ID), daughter Kathryn (Ken) Yeager (Littleton, CO), brother Michael (Sandra) Norton (Sulphur Springs, TX), sister Janice (Tony) Miles (Gretna, LA), brother Ken Norton (Kaysville, UT), grandson Carter Richmond (Hailey, ID), and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jarvis and Norma Norton, and by our (most fabulous and long-lived) grandmother, Elizabeth Baudien.
The family encourages remembering good times you shared with Rick and that you hug your loved ones often, because our lives are short, and best lived to their fullest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to military veterans’ organizations of your choice.
A private celebration of Rick’s life was held by his family, as he would have wished. We welcome his friends into our homes, and appreciate what you may share of his life with us.
Many heartfelt condolences and thanks to all of you who knew and loved Rick. We would love to have you share experiences you had with Rick.