John Norton

John B Norton, Jr, 74, took his last step July 11, 2019 and passed away at the Billings Clinic with his wife, Patsy, by his side. John walked and pedaled many miles at the Billings Athletic Club (BAC) five days a week as he worked diligently to maintain lung function while tethered to his portable oxygen tank. John was born August 11, 1944 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Dr John B and Claire Norton. John's father, John B Norton, Sr, was in the Air Force, so young John's early life took him to many places to live, both in the United States and in Europe. As a youth, he attended the Colorado Academy in Denver. You might call John a “military brat.” John married Patsy Gooch on December 26, 1978 in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. The first two years of their marriage they lived in Texas where John was employed by the Energy Operating Corp. In 1980 John and Patsy transferred to Billings for John to work out of the Williston Basin. John promised Patsy that it would be for only five years, then he would take her back to Texas. So, thirty-nine years later they are still in Billings, their forever home. John changed careers and became a partner with Montana Bearings, Inc. In 1994, he changed careers again, went to Culinary Art School and became a chef. He was first a chef at Hilands, then he started his own catering business, “John's Outback.” His signature dish was smoked brisket. Hunting and fishing were John's passion. He hunted elk regularly on the Charter Ranch in the Bull Mountains. His life's joy was going on a hunting trip to South Africa in 2012. He had a special place in his heart for wildlife. His favorite fishing sites were Tillamook Bay, Oregon and Fort Peck, Montana. John's friends were too numerous to mention individually, however there were two friends who were with John on a regular basis and need to be singled out. One is Mike Dimich who was with John every Monday through Friday at the BAC walking side by side on the treadmill or pedaling on the recumbent bicycle. They also went to lunch every week, always picking a different restaurant, not necessarily for the menu, but rather for a place for them to share some light-hearted conversation and their own special brand of humor. Another special person in John's life was Nick Cladis, friend and financial advisor. Nick described John as the quintessential “Gentlemen's Gentleman,” always polite. “Yes, Ma'am” and “Yes, Sir” were a normal part of John's vocabulary. He was a man filled with uncompromising integrity, true to his friends and to himself. He took pride in what he did, enjoyed the moment and never said “poor me” when faced with years of serious health challenges. John and Nick had many special moments together over lunch or at Nick's office. If “Man's best friend is his dog,” then truly, Cody, a golden retriever, was John's best friend. Like all faithful companions, Cody was always at John's side, bringing unconditional love and comfort as only a dog can do. John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Debra Norton. He is survived by his wife, Patsy and step-son Paul Vance. Patsy would like to thank the BAC staff, BAC member Scott Harcharik who administered CPR until the ambulance arrived, the first responders and the fire department for their quick and helpful efforts. To Echo Oak Leathers, BAC instructor, who stayed by Patsy's side offering care and compassion during the many hours of stress and uncertainty. Thanks also to the Billings Clinic medical staff for their care and personal interest in John's health. A big thank you to the staff at National Jewish Health in Denver for the care provided to John over the past several years. No services are planned. If you would like to make a donation in John's honor, please consider National Jewish Health, P O Box 5898, Denver, CO 80217-9171 or by phone 303-728-6560 x1 or on line at www.nationaljewish.org/donate.