Mark Norton
1959-11-03 2015-04-20At about 3am on April 20th, 2015, Mark Gerard Norton was granted peace and passed away with his family at his side at the Enloe Medical Center's Oncology Center.
Born on November 3rd, 1959 in San Francisco, CA; Mark grew up in Orinda, CA. He went on to attend C.S.U. Chico where he was an active member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. When he was called home to help start a family business, Mark transferred to the College of St. Mary's in Moraga, CA where he was a member of the College's Rugby Club.
Mark enjoyed a successful career in Commercial Real Estate. This started when he was recruited by Bishop Hawk where he quickly demonstrated a knack for selling; becoming the firm's Rookie of the Year in 1984. Considered one of the top producers north of Sacramento, Mark went on to partner with several private real estate companies, including Main & Main Investments, Main & Main Properties, Norton Investments, and Sutter Retail Development Company.
He is survived by his wife Linda of Chico & San Diego, CA; his daughter Kathryn of Chico, CA; his son Brandon of Fairfield, CT; sister Marta and niece Calli Cunningham of Lafayette, CA; brother Michael, sister-in-law Mary, and nieces Michayla and Keara of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; and brother Jeff and sister-in-law Tamara of Pleasant Hill, CA.
Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Apr. 22, 2015
What an unexpected and amazing surprise to reconnect with Mark almost ten years ago at the Friday Grads Only night. We started dating a few months later and got married in Napa on May 14, 2011, surrounded by his “inner circle” ...much as is it was, but with many more, on April 24, 2015 as we gathered for his “Celebration of Life” at Santa Maria and then Mike & Suzie O’Brien’s home. A celebration of life it was, as our Mark certainly knew how to live life to the fullest, “the most sensitive and misunderstood Norton”, (his words, not mine. ; ), but so true! Mark was so loving and generous, loyal and protective, smart yet self-deprecating, f-ing HILARIOUS, best story-teller, and so many stories to tell...unfortunately his life story was cut short way too soon with the devastating diagnosis of end stage mets renal cancer in March 2014. He fought the battle with amazing grace and humor, never complaining about the pain I knew he was suffering. Mark loved his Katie-Pie and Brandon so much and was an amazing father, so proud of his beautiful kids. I’m so grateful for the 7 years I had the good fortune to be by Mark’s side too. We love and miss you Norty!
tribute by Linda Rumph-NortonThere was no better friend than Norty. Loyal to the core. A wonderful father and husband. Mark was larger than life and was truly one of a kind. So many of us miss his humor and generosity. But I know he is now in a better place, with a bigger boat, and surely a bigger bar tab.
tribute by Brian Smith