"Dad's Eulogy"
by Ken Niblett

Phil Norton is a man that will leave behind him evidences of a very full and productive life. He touched, in a very real and positive way, the lives of many children, friends, family, and fellow educators.

I first met Phil some 14 years ago. A new Superintendent, Otto Sempell, had just come to the Lamont School District. He found a district in great need of improvements in its buildings and grounds. He realized the need for someone skilled in building renovation, grounds improvement, and supervision of classified personnel.

THE MAN HE SELECTED WAS PHIL NORTON.

When Phil first came to the District, it was obvious that he was someone special.
1. He had a round jolly face that smiled a lot and his eyes sparkled. He had a special kind of humor.
2. Phil liked to work behind the scenes and gained satisfaction from just doing a good job. He did not expect recognition from just doing a good job. He did not expect recognition from others -- yet gave it often.
3. He was always looking for ways to help others and especially school children. He was totally dedicated to his chosen profession -- Education.
4. He soon moved into his office and it wasn't long until it was filled with blueprints, and a T square, a drawing board, and volumes of books on classified law.

Phil immediately went to work on what became a long list of projects that would[sic] contribute significantly to the education of children.

1. He began with the grass, and the trees, and the watering systems. He organized and outfitted a grounds crew and installed automatic watering systems. The grass soon became thick and green and lawns appeared manicured.
2. Swings and slides and geodesic domes, and monkey bars began to appear in new sandboxes at Lamont, Allcante, and Myrtle Avenue Schools.
3. The Lamont and Mt. View Schools were painted.
4. Part of the Lamont School was remodeled into a district office and a warehouse storage area.
5. Mt. View School was totally remodeled with a Library, Home Ec, and Art room.
6. A Baseball diamond and shower/locker facility were built at Mt. View School.
7. A bus barn facility was built at Allcante School.
8. In recent years a library facility was built at Myrtle Ave School; a cafeteria was built at Allcante School; his most recent undertaking was the construction of a gymnasium at Mt. View School.

These many projects will remind us of Phil and stand as monuments to him and his work for many years to come.

Phil was also a man of great FAITH. I went to visit him in the hospital several times after he became seriously ill.

I was always amazed at his cheerfulness and strength of character - even in these difficult circumstances. I know he was able to handle his illness so successfully because of his great Faith in God.

1. He believed that God gave him the strength to live life and face death.
2. He would say with Paul - "For me to live is Christ and to Die is GAIN."

Phil was interested in telling others about his faith and would often verbally share it with others. He contributed to missions.

Phil was instrumental in forming a local chapter of National Educators Fellowship a group of Christian teachers.

But more importantly, his faith helped him in his relationship with others. It made him a kind, gentle and caring man.

He attended church regularly and was a member of a local congregation.

Today - I am sure that Phil Norton is in the presence of another "Master Builder" and molder of human character Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 14:2 3, "I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also."

Today, Phil is with his heavenly Father the One he served so faithfully during his life. I wouldn't be surprised if he already has an office filled with blueprints, a T square and a drawing board and is beginning to work on new projects.