Richard Norton

This memorial obituary was originally published in The Aspen Times (2008) here.

Richard “Dick” Eyre Norton, 80, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. Born on March 2, 1928, in New York, N.Y., he is survived by his wife Wesley Ann (Wanie), sons Richard Norton and Peter Townshend, stepsons Travis, Tim and Chris Durand and grandchildren Michael, Patrick, Megan, Amelia, Rosalie, Kelly, Emilie, Lindsay, Halle, Sonny, Eliana and Hayden.

Dr. Norton attended Lehigh University as an undergrad and earned a Ph.D in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952. He moved to Los Angeles to serve as a postdoctoral researcher at Cal Tech in 1957, and joined the UCLA Physics Department in 1960. He retired to become Professor Emeritus in 2000. Dr. Norton was one of the original scientists to attend the Aspen Center for Physics when it opened in 1962 and participated every summer since.

Dr. Norton’s passions included his family, physics, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, tennis, fine wine and fast cars. He was happiest wandering the mountains around Aspen, particularly the “Norton Loop” near Lost Man Lake. He lived a full and vibrant life and was a friend of many. He fought his battle with cancer with the same tenacity as he lived his life, winning every battle except the last. Let his toughness be a reminder to all of us as we deal with the problems and concerns in our lives that are minor by comparison.

Norton served as Trustee for ACP from 1986 – 1991, General Member from 1986 -1992, and Honorary Member from 1992 – 2008.