Howard B. "Buddy" NORTON

NORTON, Howard B. "Buddy," 69, Assistant Chief of Police at the University of Richmond, passed away on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. A former U.S. Marine who took on the affectionate "Cajun Cop" moniker, Buddy never met a stranger and especially extended himself to help family, friends, and co-workers. He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Touart Tourelle; brother, Wayne Touart. Eileen, his wife of 28 years; and his children, Jennifer Ferguson, Brandi Norton, Jason Norton, Kim Huffman, Tammy Wayland and Shari Greenwell. 12 grandchildren also survive him, Andy, C.J., Carter, Briana,Taylor, Grayson, Adam, Micah, Gavin, Hunter, Tyson and Gabriel. He was predeceased by his father, Howard Brantley Norton, Sr.; his stepsister, Barbara Tourelle; and grandson, Blake Wayland. He joined the University of Richmond Police Force in 1983 as a police officer, after serving as a member of the Henrico County Police Force, achieving the rank of sergeant. At UR, he was a trusted colleague and served with distinction, progressing through the ranks to Assistant Chief of Police, the position he held prior to concluding his service at the University. During 2010 to 2011, he served as the University's Interim Chief of Police. His achievements included overseeing areas of the UR Police's national accreditation process, which took place every five years, and helping coordinate the Virginia Special Olympics games at UR, as well as being one of the most beloved members of the UR Special Olympics volunteer team. Buddy was well known and highly respected throughout the campus community and the extended law enforcement community. He approached assignments with determination and a deep sense of responsibility. He embraced life to the fullest and was the first to offer a warm welcome and a happy laugh, especially when the story was about him. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 21, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Bliley's Funeral Home, 8510 Staples Mill Road. Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Cannon Memorial Chapel on the UR campus on Saturday, September 22. Interment is at Westhampton Memorial Park on Patterson Avenue. A reception follows the graveside service at 2 p.m. at the Jepson Alumni Center, UR Campus. Buddy's request was that those attending his funeral wear Spider red. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cullather Brain Tumor Quality of Life Center, 5875 Bremo Road, Richmond, Va. 23226 or Heartland Hospice, 1504 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 114, Richmond, Va. 23229.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.