Tracy Lee Norton

Tracy Norton, of Lynnwood, Washington, died at the age of 54 on April 11, 2016 after a swift series of devastating medical diagnoses and events. Born in north Seattle in 1961 to the late Willard G. Norton and the late Norma V. Harrigan Norton (nee Locander), Tracy attended schools in the Shoreline School District and worked as a third generation tile and marble mason. Along with his younger brother, Shawn, who was also his best friend, Tracy learned the trade from his father and grandfather, the late Willard H. Norton, founder of Norton Tile and Marble Company in Seattle. Tracy worked from an early age in this family business and spent many after-school hours and weekends at the company warehouse on Lake Union during his teens.

Tracy valued relationships over things, and had a fundamental trust of humanity.  He was known for his empathy, generosity, artistic vision, uncanny ability to comprehend mechanical and technical information, and the high quality of his work. He enjoyed social media and was perennially interested in information technology. He had an abiding love and respect for animals, especially for dogs. Tracy had a special bond with Bear, his childhood Sheepdog cross, and with Canelo, a more recent cattle dog cross.

Tracy is remembered by many as kind and thoughtful. He avoided gossip and thought the best of people even when others didn’t. As a friend, he offered an earnest listening ability, the sincere desire to help, honest advice, and a sense of humor. Tracy lived life on his own terms and sought to understand the world and his place in it.

Tracy leaves behind a son, Chase, as well as Raylee and Sterling White, with whom he had parental relationships.

Family members include: Shawn C. Norton (brother); Suzie Nott, Cindy Norton Christianson, Colleen Harrigan, and Kathy Harrigan (half-sisters); Jon and Dave Emerick (step-brothers); Pat Norton (step-mother); Justin, Savannah, and Kyle Norton, Rhianne Mitchell, Katie Baydek, Adrianne Lee Nott, Kelsey Jo Belgum, Brooke Christianson, Lena Scott, Teresa Harrigan and Shannon Tissue-Shaffer (nieces and nephews). Tracy was like a brother to Teresa and Shannon who grew up in the same household and later were his neighbors.

Tracy leaves behind a variety of close friends and co-workers who will miss his unique insights, his contagious smile, and his mellow voice. This includes groups of friends from Montlake and North City, comrades with whom he enjoyed an enduring closeness.