BIDDEFORD — Robert W. “Bob” Norton, 91, of Biddeford, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 6, 1923, and grew up in Augusta. He attended Cony High School and graduated from Metropolitan High School in Los Angeles, California. He also graduated from Gates Business College in Augusta.
Robert served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was department vice commander of The American Legion and department commander of the Disabled American Veterans. He also served as military aide-de-camp, with the rank of Colonel to Gov. John H. Reed.
For the VA in Togus, Bob worked for a short time at the War Food Administration (Jamaican Camp in Waterville).
On July 28, 1946, he married the love of his life, Doris B. Payson of East Union. Together, they raised two children.
Bob absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially “at the lake.” He loved to cook, read, put together challenging jigsaw puzzles, solve Suduko puzzles, collect stamps, dance and listen to all big band music of the 1940s.
In his 36 wonderful years of retirement, he got to relax with his beautiful bride up “at the lake,” Rocktide Inn in Boothbay Harbor, and the Four Seasons in the Twin Mountains of New Hampshire, just a few of their favorite spots. Many times they went with special friends and got to know the motel staff so well, their stays were extended and gifted.
Bob was a hard worker, great provider, loving husband and father. He was a man of his word, kind, honest, generous and always there with wise counsel and direction for anyone who needed it. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
For 30 years, he worked for the U.S. Treasury Department, IRS. He also served as Maine state representative from 1980-1984 and state auditor from 1984-1987.
He is preceded in death by: his mother, Annabelle Foster; parents, Gladys and Henry Norton; sisters, Alicia “Tish” Dwyer, and Elaine Clark Hargreaves; his brothers, Richard “Dick” Norton and Linwood “Lindy” Norton; and brother-in-law, Adelbert “Dale” Clark.
Robert is survived by: his devoted wife of 68 years, Doris Norton; and will be forever remembered by his sister, Barbara Norton McNally and her husband Mike; his beloved children, Kent Norton, and Kim Norton Demers and her husband Brian; brother-in-law, Ron Hargreaves; sisters-in-law, Eugenia “Jean” Norton, and Betty Norton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.
Arrangements are by Cote Funeral home, Saco. To sign the guestbook or leave condolences, go to www.cotefuneralhome.com.
Donations can be made to the National Stroke Association, 9707 E. Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO. 80112, to help his precious wife and others impacted by stroke.
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