Robert Frederick Norton

Age 81, of Halifax, lost a battle that he could not win despite a valiant fight on December 17, 2017.

Bob was born in Montreal on January 13, 1936. He grew up in Verdun with sister Shirley Carmichael and graduated from Verdun High School in 1953. He met the love of his life, Marilyn (Desgroseilliers) in grade school, they dated in high school and were married for 60 years. He went to work in the mail room of Shell Canada Limited at the age of 18 and 35 years later retired as Regional Sales Manager for the Maritimes. Over the course of his career he was transferred nine times and the family lived (more than once) in Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Along the way came son, Scott (Audrey [MacKenzie] and their son, Jack), daughter, Paula (Jeff Moors and their sons, Charlie and Sam) and Craig. Following retirement from Shell he worked for People Plus as an employment counsellor for a further 10 years.

Known to family and friends as the "Bopper", he and Marilyn enjoyed socializing with their many friends, travelling, playing bridge and spoiling their grandchildren. Bob was a founder of ULDSAS (Upper Lower Doull Social and Athletic Society), the activities of which were varied and remain classified. He lived life large in all respects. Family gatherings were always filled with great food, lots to drink and even more laughter. Although he loved his family, some would observe that he loved his cars as much and was known to hand wash his current vehicle on a daily basis. He was an avid reader of bestselling novels and completed the New York Times and other crosswords weekly in pen. He was a very good interior painter, a proficient wall paper hanger and gardener and was quick to offer those skills to his children or alternatively criticism of their lacking such skills. Always “dapper”, Bob was known to be finely and stylishly attired.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, the late Charles Frederick Norton and Florence Amelia (Douthwaite) of Montreal.

The family would like to extend their appreciation for the quality and kind care provided to Bob by Dr. Peter Brennan, Dr. David Bell, Dr. Derek Wilke, and Dr. Robyn McFarlane as well as the VON, Cindy Bell and the Palliative Care Team.

Cremation has taken place. At Bob's request there will be no visitation. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. No flowers please. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bob to the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation. Please direct your contribution to cancer patient and family support at the QEII. For online condolences please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com