Leslie "Nick" Lyle Norton

Leslie Lyle “Nick” Norton, age 90, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025 in Sun City West, Arizona. A devoted family man, decorated veteran, educator, performer and athlete, Nick lived a life rich in service, passion and purpose.

Born May 14, 1934 in Roseburg, Oregon, to Harry Whitney and Gwendolyn Ruth “Dorothy” (Arundel) Norton. Nick and his sister Carmel were raised on a farm in Sutherlin, where the values of hard work and resilience shaped his character from an early age.

Nick pursued higher education with dedication, earning a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Oregon and a master's degree in Education from Southern Oregon State College. His commitment to learning would later translate into a career in education and military instruction.

In 1953, Nick entered the United States Air Force. By 1957, he had become a survival instructor in the Air Force Reserve at Stead Air Force Base in Sparks, Nevada. Balancing his dual roles as an educator and reservist, he taught for nine months each year and served active duty during the summers, traveling with his family across the US. His military career was marked by distinction; while serving with the 83rd Aerial Port Squadron in Portland, Oregon, he was part of the reconnaissance team for the historic Apollo 11 mission. In 1983, after three decades of dedicated service, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In February 2016, Nick was honored at the Anthem Veterans Memorial (Anthem, Arizona) paver laying ceremony. His commemorative paver lies near the Great Seal of the United States - an enduring tribute to his service from 1953-1983.

On August 18, 1956, Nick married Lora Jean Marshall, in Forest Grove, Oregon. Together they built a life centered around family, adventure and shared passions. Their bond endured until Jean's passing in April 2020. They were not only life partners but also athletic companions - completing five Cycle Oregon treks and two Canadian cycling tours through Calgary and Vancouver BC.

Nick's enthusiasm for life extended far beyond his military and academic careers. He was an avid athlete who remained physically active throughout his life. He played tennis, competed in triathlons (ranked in his age group at the Worlds held in Perth, Australia), competed numerous times in the annual Pole, Pedal, Paddle races in Bend, Oregon, and was an enthusiastic cyclist. He was a Boy Scout leader, lending his love for the outdoors by completing several 50 mile hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascades. During one such hike with his sons, Barry and David, Dave ended up with 50 pounds of rocks incrementally placed in his pack. From 1965-1990, he served as a member of the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol and shared his love of skiing with his family. Even into his nineties, Nick maintained an impressive level of fitness. As part of his daily routine, he would either complete exercises at the activity center, practice yoga, participate as a ranked Master's Swimmer or would climb the seven flights of stairs at Grandview Terrace in Sun City West - an inspiring reflection of his lifelong vitality.

He also had a flair for the stage coming from thespian stock, his grandma Nellie (Campion) Arundel performed in a theater company. Nick loved music and delighted in performing in plays, musicals and choirs - a testament to his vibrant spirit and love for community engagement.

His compassion for others extended to years of volunteer service, coordinating and transporting veterans for the VA from Bend to Portland, Oregon and back.

Nick was deeply committed to preserving family history and was known as the family historian - the “glue that held us all together”, as one loved one aptly described him. His calendar was filled with birthdays and anniversaries, reaching out to relatives and friends on their special day.

He is survived by his three children: Barry (Wendy) Norton, David (Kerri) Norton, Gay (Todd) Johnson; grandson Scott (Brittany) Norton; and three great-grandchildren: Makenna, twins Daxton and Grayson Norton (twins run in the family…mother Dorothy was a twin and the great-grandson's mother, Brittany, is also a twin).

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jean; his parents Harry and Dorothy Norton; and his sister Carmel Hague.

A service with military honors will be held on April 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona located at 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Leslie “Nick” Norton leaves behind a legacy defined by honor, strength, dedication, and love - a life well-lived that continues to inspire those who knew him.