Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Robert “Bob” O. Norton passed away with his family surrounding him at Brookside Manor on May 24, 2018, at the age of 84. Bob was born April 1, 1934, to Chase and Lillian Norton in Hood River, Ore. He had one sister, Norma Bradley.
Bob grew up in the valley and graduated from Wy’east High School in 1952. On Sept. 25 of that same year, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Vivian Bergum. Bob and Elaine were married for 26 years and had four children: Nancy, Carrie, Sheryl, and Rob. They made their home on a family farm in Pine Grove, where Bob and Elaine worked the orchard and Bob was also a local milkman for Mayflower.
Bob was always very active in the community. He was a member of Pine Grove Fire Department for 36 years and served as chief for 13 of those years. He was also on the board of directors for Hood River Electric Coop and Pine Grove Butte Cemetery, and was a member of the Hood River Saddle Club.
Elaine passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 26, 1978. On Jan. 1, 1980, Bob married Barbara (Bobbie) Chevron. Bobbie had three daughters, Sherrie, Susan, and Sally.
Bob and Bobbie enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, and being very active in the community. Together, they served at the food bank, Relay for Life, and Meals on Wheels. Bob and Bobbie were also very active members at Hood River Valley Christian Church, where he served as deacon and made sure the parking lot was plowed when it snowed.
Bob’s favorite time of year was always Christmas. He brought Santa to life for much of the Hood River Community as he went to schools, churches and homes bringing joy and gifts to children.
Bob will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his ability to grow every kind of fruit and vegetable, his sense of humor and love of practical jokes, his gruff exterior yet tender heart, his love for Jesus and commitment to the church, his strong and unwavering commitment to marriage and the transcendent wisdom that “there’s always room for ice cream because it fills in the cracks!” We will miss you, Bob!
Bob is survived by his children, Nancy (Ernie) Matthews, Carrie (Dennis) Billing, Sheryl (Randy) Graves, Rob (Tracy) Norton, Sherrie Chevron, Susan (Larry) Lucas, and Sally (Mike) Johnson; grandchildren Joyce, Tina, Shana, Cole, Sara, Derek, Taylor, Reed, and Austin; and great-grandchildren Blake, Grace, and Tatum. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Lillian and Chase Norton; his sister Norma Bradley; his wife Elaine Norton and wife Bobbie Norton.
A memorial service was held May 28, 2018 at Hood River Valley Christian Church. Burial service will be held June 1 at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made (C/O Anderson’s Tribute Center) to Pine Grove Butte Cemetery and Providence Hospice of the Gorge.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.