Reprinted from The Carousel News & Trader September, 2012
In Memoriam
David A. Norton
January 6, 1949 – August 18, 2012
David and Chris Norton. Bill Manns photo
COLDWATER, MI – David A. Norton, 63, passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at his home. David was born January 6, 1949 in Coldwater to Gerald E. and Barbara (Allen) Norton; they both preceded him in death. He married Christine (Weage) Davenport on January 26, 1985 in Coldwater. Dave was a lifelong resident of Coldwater. In 1966, at the age of 16, he graduated from Reppert’s School of Auctioneering in Decatur, IN, and then from Coldwater High School in 1967. David owned and operated Norton Auctioneers in Coldwater for over forty years. He was a world famous auctioneer, conducting over 4,000 auctions in 44 states and several foreign countries. David had held a real estate license since 1967, and was one of the few auctioneers licensed in every state.
David was also very generous with benefit auctions, helping to raise over $3 million for numerous causes. Dave was very active in his many trade organizations. He was past president of the Michigan State Auctioneer Assoc., National Past President of the Showmen League of America and 10 year director of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association. He belonged to the American Coaster Enthusiast, National Carousel Association, Int’l Assoc. of Fairs & Exposition, Int’l Assoc. of Amusement Parks, Nat’l Auctioneers Assoc., Circus Fans of America and Tampa Showmen’s Club. David was an active member of the Coldwater Elks #1023, and a former “Elk of the Year”. He was very supportive of the Tibbits Opera House and had served as past Director of the Tibbits Foundation. David also belonged to the Coldwater Rotary, Lions and Optimist Clubs.
DAVE NORTON TRIBUTE GALLERY:
Dave loved animals and at one time he had a heard of several dozen buffalo, elk, and exotic Scottish cattle. – Bill Manns
Passing of Dave Norton
From Dan’s Desk
By Dan Horenberger
It’s with sadness I have to say we lost Dave Norton. Dave was a very good personal friend for a long time, and in these last few months we’ve talked to each other a lot. Dave was a large influence in many people’s lives individually and in the amusement industry as a whole. He can’t be replaced and will never be forgotten.
– Dan Horenberger
Dave was one of those rare, larger then life people that we so rarely meet. I enjoyed so many good times with him over the past 25 plus years. He certainly enriched the lives of the people who knew him well. I will never forget the time we were sitting in his Coldwater office, 18 or 20 years ago, and he pulled out this Dad’s old inlayed silver Zuni watchband/bracelet. He said it had been in that drawer since his dad had passed away and that he thought his dad would like it to go to someone who would appreciate it… I think of that day, and Dave’s words, every time I put it on. – Bill Manns
