Bill Norton

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William B. Norton died peacefully at home August 23, 2024. He was 85 years old. Bill was born October 26, 1938 in Detroit, to Dr. Arthur and Elizabeth (nee Ryan) Norton.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Vivian, their children, Jessica (Galen) Bunce and Nathan (Erica) Norton, and grandchildren, Kadyn, Winnie and Wally. He is also survived by his siblings, Josephine Ann Aoki, Elizabeth (John) Calkins, and Thomas Allen Norton. He was preceded in death by his sisters, M. Susan Howie (James) and Mary Katherine "Kay" Norton (Richard Vanderhoof).
As Brother Rice High School's winningest basketball coach, Bill was one of the most respected figures in Michigan high school basketball. His legacy was solidified with the 1973-74 team that won Brother Rice's first State Championship, marking a pivotal moment in the school's athletic history. Over his career, Norton amassed 323 wins at Brother Rice, contributing to his impressive 456 total victories.
Beyond his achievements on the court, Coach Norton served in many significant roles at the school, including Athletic Director (1968-1981), Dean of Students, Director of Development, and as a Science and Health teacher. He also briefly coached the football team in 1968. Though his championship team's shining moment occurred half a century ago, Norton's influence at Brother Rice remains profound, leaving a lasting legacy that extends far beyond basketball.
He was known for his genuine care and support for all students, whether they were athletes or those pursuing other interests outside of sports. He was a mentor and guide, offering valuable life lessons and advice that changed countless lives along the way.
Throughout his 21-year tenure as Brother Rice's head basketball coach (1965-81, 1996-99), Coach Norton led the Warriors to two Class A state finals: a thrilling overtime 62-56 victory over Detroit Cass Tech in 1974 and another OT thriller in 1977, which ended in a hard-fought loss to "Magic" Johnson and Lansing Everett. Coach Norton began his coaching career at St. Mary High School in Mt. Clemens in 1962 before taking the reins at Brother Rice from 1965 to 1981. After a stint as an assistant coach at Michigan State University, he returned to Brother Rice from 1982 to 1999. He then led Birmingham Groves from 2000 to 2008. Under his leadership, Bill's teams won seven League Championships, 15 District Championships, and five Regional Championships. He guided three teams to the Final Four, with two of them playing for the State Championship. His crowning achievement, of course, came in 1974 when his Brother Rice team won it all.
In January of 2024, Brother Rice recognized the 50th anniversary of that remarkable first state championship, gathering the team and coaches together for a celebration of their noteworthy achievement. In a poignant moment at the Champions Dinner, President Tom Reidy presented Coach Norton with the inaugural Blessed Edmund Rice Medal, symbolizing leadership, dedication, and his profound impact on our school. As one who embodied the ideals and charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, it was a well-deserved tribute honoring not only Coach Norton's achievements as a gifted basketball coach but also his enduring spirit and faith that made it all possible.
In his youth, Bill caddied at Detroit Golf Club and enjoyed playing with his Dad at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. He was an avid skier with neighbors on Pine Lake. Later in life, Bill enjoyed playing golf with Nick Conti, his brother-in-law, and Frank Orlando, a celebrated Country Day girls basketball coach.
Towards the end of his life, Coach's mantra became PMA in my QRT: Positive Mental Attitude in my Quality Remaining Time.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend – with an incredible memory, especially for statistics and country songs – Bill Norton was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all those lucky enough to have met him. May he rest in peace.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks, Clawson, Monday, August 26, 2024, 3-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Hugo of the Hills (main church), 2215 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am.
Memorials appreciated to Brother Rice High School in support of the New Gymnasium Fund, 7101 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48301.