Norman Burton (OK 1949)

Born on 5 of May 1931, Norman and his younger brother Keith grew up in Wimbledon. Following attendance at Rowan Prep school, he moved to Kings College School, where he was incredibly happy. Norman was always so proud of being a King’s Old Boy. His lifelong passion for sport was nurtured there. Well into old age, he loved regaling the fact he had once been captain of the school cricket team.

After completing his National Service, Norman joined Stewarts and Lloyds as an apprentice in their steel stockholding business and was posted to the North East. In 1959 he joined Newcastle-based local family-run steel stockholders called Wasteney’s Smith & Sons. He spent the rest of his career there becoming a highly regarded Managing Director working loyally for the business for nearly 40 years.

Norman met his future wife Delia Constable in 1953, and they spent 54 years of married life in the North East. Norman and Delia raised their three daughters, Melanie, Joanna and Nicola, in Whickham, a village south of the River Tyne. Family meant everything to Norman. He was a devoted father and an adored Granda to his nine grandchildren and Great Granda to three great-grandsons. Norman was sadly widowed 13 years ago.

Whilst Norman was always extremely proud of his southern roots, especially his childhood association with Kings School and Wimbledon, he adopted the North East as his home. He became a proud ‘born again Northerner’ embracing its industrial heritage and a strong sense of community.

Norman’s lifelong passion was undoubtedly sport. He was a county squash player and an active golfer for many years, being a proud member of the Northumberland Golf Club. He loved all spectator sports, particularly rugby, football, golf, tennis and cricket.

Norman will be particularly remembered for being a loyal and loving gentleman with impeccable manners and a penchant for punctuality. He was hugely popular, loved a pint with his friends and had a great sense of humour. He was a wonderful family man who adored his three daughters. Simply the best.

(from Norman's family)