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It is with deep sadness that the Norton family announce the death of Richard George Henry Norton, born in Stockholm Sweden to his British father and Swedish mother on the 22nd of August 1946. He was raised in the UK and worked there for a time, and also lived, worked and died in Canada on the 21st of February 2021. Richard was a very special and powerful force in his family. He loved to cook and create great recipes; a gourmet who was also an amateur architect who designed and built some unique apartments in London UK, but whose main career was as a chartered accountant. Beloved husband of Mary Norton, loving father to his children Alexander, Mark and Ellie and grandfather to Theo and Lottie. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends near and far. He will be remembered always. At the family's request there will be no visiting or service. If desired donations may be made to the charity of your choice or the Cramahe Township Public Library.
We are very saddened by the news of Richard's passing I am sorry that we didn't get together more often
Should have added always wonderful food, drink and company. Happy days
Mary and Ellie, A little story to make you smile; I will always remember the first time I met Richard. I was Mark (his second son)'s (very) new girlfriend. I arrived at Mark's london flat to go out for the evening and Mark said "I hope you don't mind we have to pop some stuff over to my Dad's first,". I wanted to impress so of course I went along with it. Mark reached under his bed and produced a box of tinned soup and supermarket biscuits to deliver. I therefore assumed that Richard was a frail invalid and Mark was kindly bringing a care package. We arrived at the mews house and an assertive and not remotely frail voice boomed out from the other side of the door " it's Mark, Mark and a girl". We walked in, Mark holding the groceries. The atmosphere resembled a gentleman's club Richard was hosting what apeared to be a drinks party for 2, himself and another middle aged man (who I later learnt was one of his many bussiness associates) the second man now addressed Mark "so" he said " is this the girl who crashed my car?" By this time I was spellbound who were these exciting and sophisticated people ? " er no" Mark replied " this is another one,". If I was interested before I was completely hooked now. " Won't you stay for drink?" Richard asked. Unfortunately my future husband declined and off we went into the night. As we left I glanced back determined to get to know this exciting and enchanting family better. Over the years we all lived in London of course I did and we spent many happy days and nights in the mews house getting to know Richard better. It never lost it's magic for me, opening the door you never quite knew who or what you might find. In loving memory Isabelle (Izzy) Norton
Dear Mary: I am sorry to hear the sad news about your husband. You have had a rough road to travel the last few years. May your many memories, family and friends help you through this time. Sue and Joe La Berge
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Mary and Ellie. Even though I did not know Richard, I know his leaving leaves a big hole in your lives. May you find some peace in your grieving. Take good care.
Deepest sympathy to Mary, Ellie and family on the sad passing of Richard. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace.
Dear Mary, Francisco told me that, unfortunately, your husband Richard passed away. I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. A big hug, Piera
So sorry to hear of the passing of your loving husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Richard rest in peace.
Sincere sympathy to Mary, Ellie and family on the sad passing of a loving husband and father. My prayers and thought are with you. May Richard rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
Dear Mary, Ellie, Mark and Alexander, I am sorry for your loss, it must be especially hard not being able to come together to morn and celebrate Richard’s life. I hope that it is not too long till you can. I am thinking of you all and sending you love and strength at this difficult time. Ele xxx
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
Our heartfelt condolences to you Mary, and to Ellie and Richard’s sons Alexander and Mark. Richard was a gentleman, in the purest form. He was a wonderful addition to the Parent Council Committee at Northumberland Hills, he was one of very few dads to ever join the committee. Richard’s role as Treasurer kept our complicated finances sorted out – we had just consolidated the two Cramahe schools at the time. School council members respected Richard for his calm, logical demeanor. We also fondly remember Richard at the arena, proudly watching Ellie skate, and also at her dance recitals. He was a loving father and husband and I know you will miss him terribly. You remain in our prayers, God Bless. Kevin, Michelle, Chance, Madi & Sawyer White
Sincere sympathy to Mary and Ellie on the death of Richard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Our sympathy also to Richard’s sons , grandchildren and friends. May he rest in peace. Mary, Gerard and family.
Sincere sympathy Mary and Ellie on the death of a loving husband and father.
Dear Mary, Ellie and family, it was with great sadness that I heard of Richard's passing. I will always hold dear to the memory of his helping an automobile challenged young woman out, as we took a drive around the village of Colborne with my loud car and he knew exactly what was going on and offered me advice! During my time working at the library I always enjoyed his kindness and our conversations. Big hug to you Mary! You are all in my thoughts!! Rest in peace Richard. Much love, Tricia
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
Our very deepest sympathies to the Norton family on the passing of Richard. Our brief time knowing him was long enough to realize that what we saw was like the tip of an iceberg, with the vast majority of his life and endeavours buried deep below the surface. What an interesting and varied life.
Dear Mary and Ellie, Just to say our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your great loss. Our love to you both, Bill and Jo
Dear Mary and Ellie, Words seem so inadequate at this time, but we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Letty Jo, Malcolm, Cindy, Nathan and Joey
Mary asked me to write some memories of Richard. We were more or less brought up together as his parents and mine lived close to each other in Nottinghamshire, UK, and he was only a year older than me. Richard's parents were quite strict and mine were the opposite, so the farm where our large family lived was an escape. We were both shy and rather quiet, so in a boisterous setting, we became natural friends and comrades. We remained friends throughout our lives. The most memorable event of those years took place in our teens when our parents decided we should share a party which took place in Newstead Abbey . A very grand affair to which neither of us were looking forward. An excruciating evening was made worse by the fact that Richard's Swedish mother had decreed that all the food should be pink. Add to that the expectation that Richard and I should lead out the first dance (me in my first dance dress, Richard uncomfortable in formal clothes) with all eyes upon us and you can appreciate that this experience lingers long in the memory. A happier memory was of the wedding of Mary and Richard held in a Mews in Bayswater in London The entire Mews was taken over and the catering was carried out by Richard and friends. He deputed me to make some salads (as I lived nearby) but unsure of my abilities in the kitchen, he gave me meticulous instructions. Due to circumstances beyond my control, these salads nearly did not make it to this important occasion, but they did eventually arrive much to Richard's relief. It was a brilliant and joyous day. My final memory, is of the visit my eldest sister (who lives in up State New York) and I made to Colborne to visit Richard, Mary and Ellie. We had driven from Spencertown and arrived exhausted to be met with such warmth. It was the happiest of visits, with Richard in excellent form. A great memory of a happy family. John also remembers visiting their home in Streatham, London, perched on a hill. Richard had designed a series of innovative flats within the building and the views over London were superb. We had a magnificent lunch with Richard presiding over a giant BBQ in the garden. Some time later, we returned to the car - but it was not where it had been parked. Confused we went on a search and found it resting some way down the hill - luckily no harm had been done either to the car or to anything else. The car went into the garage the next day to have its brakes checked. Lifetime friendships are to be treasured and the loss is deeply felt. He was a special person and how lucky for him that he met and married Mary. She and Ellie have been such an important and loved part of his life and their tireless care of him especially in these past months will have meant so much. Rest in Peace Richard.
Dear Mary, Ellie and family, I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know you will draw comfort from each other and from the knowledge that you were able, in spite of the many challenges of his illness, to keep Richard at home as he so fervently wished. I will remember him as a supportive and loving husband and father. He had a great sense of humour and I particularly recall a lovely evening I spent with you eating supper in the garden, enjoying the food, the conversation and the company of the cats. I know you will cherish the many happy memories you have and that they will help you during this time of grieving. Much love, Felicity
Dear Mary, Ellie and Family Sometimes words just aren't enough, may you be comforted by the many warm thoughts from all of us who care. Reading all these beautiful tributes, its easy to see the support you two will have in our little community. Peace & Love
We were so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing, we know how hard he fought and the strength/courage both you Mary, and Ellie showed him, honouring his wishes of staying at home. We will remember all the special times we’ve all spent together over the years, like famous pizza night before taking the girls figure skating when they were young, Richard’s amazing chef and bbq skills and the many conversations we had about your lives in the UK, listening to him talk about all the lovely renovations he would do at the house, the beautiful gardens he kept, the many laughs and so much more. He was always such a brilliant man, thinking of creative ways to carve new ways for himself (thinking of the cookbook he was writing and the amazing tomato vine growers he developed) We send our sincerest condolences and love. Big hugs from your dear friends-like-family, Jon, Jan and Kylie xxoo
I am so sorry to hear about Richards passing. He was a great man. I had the pleasure of knowing Richard when we were on parent council together at NHPS. Richard was the treasurer & did a great job. Now I have the pleasure of working with Mary. I am thinking of all of you during this difficult time. RIP Richard.
I didn’t know Richard well but know I am privileged that my life brushed against his. I have heard so much about him and the stories resonate with the deep love and affection that his family and friends felt for him. My favourite has to be the one immortalizing for the Norton family the words “the bin’s on fire!!” As for his love of food, I am honoured that he decided my mince pies were something to smile about (especially when paired with Mary’s brandy butter). Rest In Peace Richard.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
Dearest Mary and Ellie my heartfelt hugs to you both on the passing of Richie Rich. Toasting a fun and witty man who really loved life, with a great sense of humour, someone l looked up to and sought advice from many a time back in the day , who wanted the best for his family not to mention a " gourmet barbecue king". May you rest in perfect peace, Richard.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Cramahe Township Public Library
Dear Mary I am so sorry to hear of your loss, it has been a long hard journey on all of you . A time for one to be free and the rest begin to heal. Please know I am here to help you if needed on your new journey. Jackie Baker-Smith