Omar Paul Norton Obituary (1933 - 2011)

Eastport & Naples, FL - Omar Paul Norton passed away at Calais Regional Hospital on Monday, October 10, 2011, after a long and brave fight against cancer. His wife of 50 years, best friend, and life’s partner, Ellie Norton, lovingly held “her Omie’s” hand until the very end. In the last few days before Omar’s death, all of his family and many of Omar’s too-long-to-list friends had the privilege to say goodbye in person. Son of Marcia Reynolds Norton and Charles Norton Sr., Omar was born in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, on February 17, 1933 , He is survived by his wife Eleanor Turner Norton; his brother Charles Norton, Jr., and Charles’s sister-in-law Frances Barker; nephew Richard Norton and his wife Linda; nieces Jane Greenlaw and Patricia Norton; great nieces Katie and Sarah Norton; great nephews Brian and his wife Linda Greenlaw, Ben and his wife Katie Greenlaw, and Brad Greenlaw; and his great-great nieces and nephews, Grace, Emma, Brent, Libby, and Liam Greenlaw. Omar attended Shead Memorial High School in Eastport, Maine; Washington State Teachers College in Machias, Maine; University of Maine in Orono, Maine, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration, and a certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. Omar loved baseball and was well known for his hitting prowess. In 1952 he was offered a Minor League contract with the Boston Braves, but he turned it down to further his education studies. He continued to play semi-pro ball in Eastport and Woodland until 1963; and in 1996 he was inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame. In later years, Omar was often seen “swinging his bat” whenever he met a baseball buddy or fan. As an educator he had a remarkable and varied career in Maine. In 1955 he began as a teacher and basketball coach at Medway High School, served two years in the US Army and then returned to Medway as principal for the next four years; joined Lee Academy as submaster, director of guidance, baseball coach, and teacher of US History for two years; and in 1964 became superintendent of schools in Union #63 and helped form MSAD #48, where he was the superintendent until 1967. He then joined the Maine Department of Education, where he worked for nine years in many capacities ultimately becoming Associate Commissioner, Bureau of Instruction. After retiring from the Department of Education, he taught many years at the University of Maine, Augusta and also at St. Joseph’s College, Windham. Politics was also a passion for Omar. From 1986 to 1994 he proudly served as a Republican member of the Maine House of Representatives, District 95, and was appointed to the Joint Standing Committee on Education. During his service he received many prestigious awards including Legislator of the Year by the Maine State Employees Association, Friend of Education Award from the Maine Teachers Association, and Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International. Following his retirement, he continued his educational work by serving as interim superintendent of schools in twenty-two school systems in the State of Maine, including four times in Union 92 and MSAD 26. In 2009 the Maine State Superintendents Association recognized his dedication to the many interim positions by honoring him with the Distinguished Service Award. In December 2010, he completed his last interim position in Medway, East Millinocket, Woodville (School Union 113)—thus ending his educational career where he began his career, which had a very special meaning for Omar. One of Omar’s proudest accomplishments was helping dialysis patients in Washington County. He and his wife Eleanor were instrumental in raising awareness for the need of a facility closer to Washington County patients and campaigning long and hard to bring Fresenius Medical Care to Eastport in 2003. Visiting hours will be held 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2011 at Mays Funeral Home – Flagg Chapel, 72 High St., Eastport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at Christ Episcopal Church, 21 Key St., Eastport. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish may make a donation in Omar’s memory to Sunrise County Dialysis Center in care of The FIRST Bank on 102 Washington Street, Eastport, Maine 04631; OR Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 12, Eastport, Maine, 04631.