Richard (Rick) Walter Norton Jr.

Richard Walter "Rick" Norton Jr., 75, passed peacefully April 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was born Aug. 21, 1947, to Richard and Doris Norton Sr. He was a long standing figure in the Fostoria and Findlay communities. He was a founding member of Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, serving as a board member and President, Terra State Community College Board of Trustees, and Terra State Community College Foundation Board of Trustees.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Norton; children, Heath (Julie) Norton and Emily Norton; stepchildren, Jamie (Chris) Long, Jessica (Nate) Braaten, and Justin (Brittney) Whitman; grandchildren, Lola, Mira, Roxie, and Ryder Norton, Kori Whitman, and Tate Braaten; and sisters, Nancy (Louis) Nargi and Barbara Myers.

Rick grew up in Fostoria with his parents and three sisters, graduating from Fostoria High School in 1965. He attended Ohio University, joining the Sigma Chi fraternity where he found not only friends, but true brothers with whom he shared a lifelong bond. It was there where he met Terrell, whom he married in 1970. Rick was by Terrell's side until her unfortunate passing in 1996.

After graduating in 1969, Rick went all in with the family business. His dedication, drive, and meticulous attention to detail resulted in the growth of the company and the consistent manufacturing of top products. The hard work of his staff, combined with his vision, transformed Norton Manufacturing into a top supplier for commercial automotive companies until its sale in 2008. After, his focus shifted to Callies Performance Parts and producing high performance parts for professional and amateur racers alike. Rick was noted as a worldwide expert in the field of manufacturing crankshafts. Company owners from all over the globe came to Fostoria to partner with Rick and seek his advice and counsel. Norton Manufacturing had visitors from China, India, Iran, England, Germany, Turkey, and from major industrial companies all over the United States. Rick visited many of these companies and partnered with entities all over the world in the manufacture of crankshafts. Rick married Jackie Patterson in 1999. They enjoyed hosting dinners with friends and family. For the past decade, Rick thoroughly enjoyed his summers on Mullet Lake. There, wonderful memories were created as he watched his grandkids fall in love with the lake through water skiing and boating.

All his hard work enabled him to lead a life full of generosity. He was a man who understood the importance of community and connection and he showed it through donations to many organizations and initiatives as well as individuals in need. His generosity in life was profound and continues with the wealth of knowledge he passed to all who spent time with him. He had an absolute passion for manufacturing and taught all who worked with him and he was rewarded with fierce loyalty and dedication of his work family. He was a larger than life personality that asked for little and gave much to many. Rick would often say "play the hand you're dealt," and he certainly did that, using his time here to create a life of devotion to his profession and most importantly, his family.

There was a private memorial by the Norton family and a celebration of life to be at Callies Performance Products on June 26 from 12-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Richard Walter Norton Jr. Scholarship Fund, a scholarship fund to help continue Rick's love for metalworking and machining through education. Donations can be sent to the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, PO Box 684, Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, with a notation that the check is for the Richard W. Norton Jr. Scholarship Fund. You can also donate on their website at https://www.toledocf.org/. There are also t-shirts available honoring Rick with proceeds going towards the scholarship fund on www.Callies.com.

COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, assisted the family.