Robert Winfield Norton

Robert Winfield “Bob” Norton died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, September 23, 2014, with his wife at his side. He was born October 16, 1936 in Petaluma, CA to the late Margaret and Winfield “Pappy” Norton. Bob had two sisters, Margaret Jean Woll (husband John Woll); and Mary Anne Greenlund (deceased). Bob had two sons with his first wife, Marilyn (deceased): Roger Norton (wife Denise Norton) of Albuquerque, NM; and Bruce Norton (deceased). Bob is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy DuMars Norton, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After high school, Bob enrolled at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. He interrupted his studies by enlisting in the United States Army and honorably served for four years. He returned to Cal Poly, completed his degree in journalism and soon began his career in public relations.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE), and retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1997 after 39 years of federal service. His last post was director of the Agricultural Research Service Information staff. Earlier positions included speechwriter to three Secretaries of Agriculture, director of information for what is now the Food Safety and Inspection Service and, prior to that, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and deputy director of Information for the Agricultural Marketing Service. He received ACE’s Pioneer Award in 1967 and USDA’s Superior Service award three times. He also served as the ACE D.C. region’s treasurer and coordinated the onsite ACE awards ceremony at the 1988 United States Agricultural Communicators’ Congress (USACC).

Bob was an Eagle Scout who went on to become assistant scout leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed hunting and travel. Upon retirement, Bob and Judy had the opportunity to travel to China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as to visit family and friends throughout the United States. Bob and Judy retired to Williamsburg, VA, where they were near family and could enjoy the history of Colonial Williamsburg and the arts and theatre programs in the Williamsburg community. Bob was a long-term member of the Unitarian Universalist Church, and until recently, enjoyed serving as a chauffeur for Faith in Action, helping others attend medical care and appointments. Bob and Judy have resided at Chambrel at Williamsburg for the last two years, enjoying the community and the experience of making new friends.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014, at 2 pm in the main room of Chambrel at Williamsburg, 3800 Treyburn Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185 (877-764-8280). In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist Building Fund, 3051 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185. Guestbook available at Nelsen Funeral Home http://www.nelsencares.com/