WILLIAM A. NORTON
SUGAR HILL, NH William A. Bill Norton, 91, passed away at his home on December 25, 2004.
Bill was born a son to William A. and Ellen (Terry) Norton on August 31, 1913 in Boston, MA. He attended Roxbury Latin School and Kimball Union Academy. He was graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1938 with a B.S. in Chemistry. During World War II, Mr. Norton was supervisor of a U.S. Rubber Company ammunition factory in Milwaukee.
In 1955, Bill was hired as Superintendent of Franconia Notch State Park where he served as General Manager of Cannon Mountain until his retirement in 1980. While at Cannon, Bill helped bring the first-ever World Cup Ski Race in North America to Franconia in 1967. He became president of the National Ski Areas Association in the seventies, and sat as Chairperson of the NSAA B-77 American National Standard for Ariel Tramway and Lift Safety Requirements. During his many years with the State of New Hampshire, Bill was recognized by his industry with numerous awards for his dedication to tourism and the ski industry. Among these are the Sherman Adams Award, the New England Council Award, the White Mountain Attraction Association Award, and many others.
After his retirement, Bill took over as Chief Fundraiser for The Friends of New Hampshire Skiing for his alma mater and received the Presidents Award for his Outstanding Contribution to Skiing for the State University System. He also served the State of New Hampshire as Chairperson and member of the New Hampshire Aerial Tramway Safety Board, a division of the Department of Safety.
Surviving family members include his wife of 63 years, Sybil S. Norton of Sugar Hill, NH; one son, W. Andrew Norton of Campton, NH; two daughters, Terry Wilkins of North Andover, MA, and Laurie Meiners of Basalt, CO, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Four sisters predeceased William.
SERVICES His family will hold a Memorial Service in the spring.
Arrangements and care have been entrusted to the Pillsbury Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Inc. To view an online memorial or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.pillsburyfh.com.