On Monday, November 2, 2015, Ralph Norton passed away peacefully in Grande Prairie, at the age of 97 years.

Ralph was born to Jerome and Lillie Norton in Bezanson, AB on July 9, 1918. Throughout his long and healthy life, he did many things successfully. He drove a truck on the Alaska Highway, worked in and then purchased a lumber mill. Ralph owned the Gaiety, Capitol Theatres, and built the Jan Cinema. He was on the town council, he farmed, ranched, raised buffalo, and worked on heavy equipment. Being a partner in the development of a resort hotel in the Cayman Islands was another challenge. He was a member of the Rotary and Elks service clubs.

RJ had many hobbies including woodworking, gardening, travelling, fixing anything and everything, riding horses and visiting with family and friends.

RJ is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Carol (Barry) Edgar and Lillian Ray; daughter in-law Sharon Norton; step-children Jackie Rattell and Chad (Dena) Rattell; grandchildren: Natalie Norton, Scott Norton, Rhonda (Derrick) Pisanello, Lynda Gordon, Shauna Gordon, Marlin (Brenda) Edgar, Janice (Eugene) Barrett, Tina (Dallas) Bennett, Christie (Matt) Ray, Derek (Erin) Ray, Tammy (Grant) Ray; step-grandchildren: Maya and Jonathan Rattell and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters: Grace Menard, Ruby Boyer, Laura Patterson; brother Edward Norton, sisters in-law Elsie Norton and Barbara Childs; brother in-law Bob Kimble; extended family; Dennis Ray, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son Ken Norton, daughter Beverly Norton, former wife Edna Champagne; brothers: Earl Norton, Clyde Norton and Fred Norton; and sisters: Olive Stewart, Stella Kimble, and Shirley Boyd.

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 2:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Church in Grande Prairie (10206 100 Ave).

Memorial donations may be made to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (Unit 109, 10126 120 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H9), or to a charity of one’s choice.