In Memory

Michael Lee Norton - Class Of 1978

 Michael Lee Norton

Michael Lee Norton

September 4, 1960 - December 24, 2016

 

 

Michael Lee Norton let go to God and passed away on Christmas Eve morning, 2016. Michael affectionately known as Mike, Mikey, and Miguelito had survived cancer and its treatment in 2012 yet had been battling a vengeful recurrence for most of 2016. Aggressively and courageously seeking advanced treatment, he fought to the very end.

Michael is predeceased by his father, Edward Michael Norton and his grandparents on both sides, John Sylvester Norton, Mildred A. Sullivan, Henry Hoff, and Sudie H. Gohlke.

Michael is survived by his daughter Elia Norton, his mother Shirley H. Norton, brothers Terry Norton, Andy Norton, Lane Simmons, sisters Robyn Meir, Toni Norton Brinckmann, Jenny Mock and Elizabeth Simmons. Nieces and nephews Jessica Cooper Adams, Paloma Norton, Andrea Norton, Kaila Brinckmann, Teo Brinckmann and Holden Mock will remember Uncle Michael fondly.

Michael was born in Houston, Texas September 4, 1960 in the Spring Branch/Memorial area of town in a time where kids played in the streets, explored the woods and took risks. Michael enjoyed riding motorcycles with his family as a kid, and raced motocross into his 50's. He played little league baseball and football as a child and paid it forward by coaching his daughter's youth basketball team for many years. Michael had an appreciation for music and took pleasure in learning new songs on his guitar, though he was modest in his talent.

A business major from Southwest Texas State University with a strong network of loyal Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers, Michael was blessed with lifelong friendships that enriched his life and supported his entrepreneurial spirit. Michael started his career as a stockbroker in New York City and Houston for Merrill Lynch as a young college graduate, then worked at Gullo-Haas in sales and management with lifetime friend, Steve Haas and later ventured to Austin in 1990 where his World Stage Production Company was created. Michael first promoted Austin and Nashville music abroad at the summer Frutigen festival in Switzerland, run by the family of his wife at the time Daliah Maurer, mother to Elia. Michael went on to manage and develop world tours for musicians such as Bob Schneider, George DeVore, Rosie Flores, David Grissom, Tolo Marton, Pat Green, Tish Hinojosa, Patricia Vonne, and Robert LaRoche. Many of these artists are grateful to Michael for supporting their talents and expanding their careers.

Michael was a promoter and marketer at heart. If he believed in it, he would give all of his creative energy to maximize any project. His most recent work brought him to Sage ATC, an environmental consulting company, where he successfully marketed environmental services and collaborated on the industry's high profile 4C HSE Environmental Conference in Austin. All his coworkers will remember him as fascinating and dedicated, with many unforgettable "Nortonisms". 

Michael was a savvy businessman who was not afraid of risk yet always delivered. He was a man of his word with a creative mind for business that defined his lifestyle. Michael wittingly integrated his passion for international travel, music, cars, motorcycles and sports into his work and pastimes. Michael will be lovingly remembered for his loyalty to friends and family, for his youthfulness, and his gentle and witty nature.

Funeral Services will be held on January 7, 2017 at 1:00 at Bee Cave United Methodist Church 3000 Bee Creek Rd. Spicewood, TX 78669. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Michael directly after at the home of his sister, at 195 Carol Ann Dr. Austin, TX 78737. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, https://www.myhaam.org/.

Published in Austin American-Statesman from Jan. 4 to Jan. 5, 2017


 

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BIRTH
DEATH 24 Dec 2016 (aged 56)
BURIAL

Fall Creek Cemetery   Travis County, Texas

MEMORIAL ID Find A Grave #195801407

 

Parents

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195801407/michael-lee-norton


 

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=michael-lee-norton&pid=183323919