Mr. Timothy Patrick Norton

My brother, Tim became an official angel on November 26, 2016. He was always my angel. Timothy Patrick Norton was born on July 28,1959, in Mt. Clemens MI, to Edith F. Norton (Shorkey) and Francis A. Norton. He was the middle child in a family of eight children. Both of Tim’s parents preceded him in death. A sadness that Tim always carried. He was deeply saddened when his mom passed, and spoke of missing her everyday. He talked to her, and said she also talked to him. I believed him. Tim, as a young child, growing up with his family, was full of love and mischief! He liked to laugh at the gallon of milk, as he poured it on the kitchen floor. He liked to dress his little brother Frank up, and take him out on adventures. Sometimes in the middle of the night. They were found once waiting for the local pool to open. Tim loved swimming! He grew up with seven siblings who played with him, protected him and loved him to pieces. There was nothing more important to Tim than his family. He worshipped his mom, fought with his dad, wrestled with, and loved his brothers and sisters. All still living, his siblings are; Daniel Norton of San Diego Ca, Sara Kennedy of Chico Ca, Mike Norton of Kuna Id, Frank Norton of Magalia Ca, John Norton of Hawaii, Joe Norton of Hawaii, Mary Norton of Sacramento Ca. Tim loved his siblings dearly. Tim’s USAF family made a move to Japan when he was just two years old. It was obvious early that Japan was no place for Tim. No acceptance. No safety. But fun with Shorkey cousins! So Tim flew home to Santa Cruz Ca and his grandparents, Albert and Dorothy Shorkey. They lived at the ocean, driving to the wharf for fish. They loved and cared for Tim for over two years. It was the beginning of a long and beautiful life in Santa Cruz/Aptos/ Watsonville, Ca. The beginning of Special Olympics and years of medals in running, swimming, basketball and bowling. Tim was a dolphin in the water. Not always as graceful, but fun! He enjoyed it late in his life. Born a music lover Tim was a natural and serious dancer! And dance he did, any chance he got! Until he was reminded to have water and a break! Dancing was one of his greatest joys! As a young boy Tim’s family moved to Aptos. Rio Del Mar Beach became Tim and Kung Fu’s playground and home. And along came Elvis, Batman, Hulk, Spiderman and Michael Jackson. At nine Tim’s family went through a breakup. The blessing became the Sanchez Family. Tim grew up in their care and love for many years. Beginning with Debbie and Willie Sanchez, and ending with their son caring for Tim. Daniel and Jen Sanchez welcomed him into their family. They had wonderful adventures and provided opportunities within the community. Tim was well known and loved in his community, and this family. All the while loving and seeing his family. Especially at holidays! We all know ‘Open?’ And the real meaning of St Patrick’s Day! And a giant, fun,loving Birthday Party, where all of his family came. And his birthday wish came true. To be with all of his family at his birthday party. With all of the family, dancing, learning at Hope, and fun living, Tim also worked his entire life. He worked in, recycling, plant care, and maintenance. His favorite job was in downtown SC wherein he swept the sidewalks downtown. You could always find him standing just across the street from his mom’s old hotel window. It was the cleanest block downtown. When he wasn’t working he was bowling or traveling to tournaments. He made trips to Disneyland and Graceland to see the King’s home. Accompanied by Daniel Sanchez and family, Tim had the time of his life! Tim was a singer, dancer and all around comedian wherever he was. He had many, many friends and he touched many lives with his love and kind spirit. Tim had Uncles and Aunts all over the country, who loved him dearly. He could pick his Aunt Kathi out of a crowd anyday! She was always a light in his life. His Uncle Al always called to see how Tim was doing. Uncle Bernie always gave love and fun kid cousins. With all those siblings, soon came nieces and nephews. All loving and playing with Uncle Tim. Despite his telling on all of them, they loved him. Some grew right up with him. And were better people for it. Some were great nieces and great nephews, close and far. He knew, loved and told on them too.Tim loved them all. He spent lots of time, toward the end of his life, with his youngest great niece, Lilah Norton. In the very end she cared for him, gently and kindly. Tim moved to Chico, to be by his big sister (blessed me) in March 2013. As Alzheimer's began to interfere with his life, Country Village became his new home. A village full of compassionate people, and kind care.Tim loved and was loved here too .His strong and kind spirit pushed back at the dementia, and he made new friends in Chico both at home and in a day program. For a while he watched his Rocky, Hulk and Elvis movies and showed off his dance moves. Soon only the music soothed him. As it always had. Tim’s mind was overtaken by Alzheimer's, but his beautiful spirit lives on-in all of us that loved and were loved by Tim. Timothy Patrick Norton died peacefully and comfortably, just as he deserved. He was holding the hands of both of his sisters. Holding the hearts of many, who were blessed by his love and gentleness. An angel has received his wings. We have received the blessing of a lifetime. Please share your stories and love of Tim. A church service, in Santa Cruz, is planned for Spring 2017.