William Roy Norton, 85, of Clinton died Friday, Aug. 8, 2008 in hospice care in Lynnwood following a long battle from cancer.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1922 in Spokane.

Bill joined the Navy in 1940 and retired in 1960. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor where he served on the USS Raleigh and fought in World War II and the Korean War. Following military service he was employed by the Shoreline School District.

Bill married Bernice (Bea) Nichols in 1945. They recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary. They resided in the Seattle are for more than 50 years with the past 20 in Clinton.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, Boy Scouts, camping and being a Sunday school teacher. Bill was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and recently received his 55-year pin. He was a past master of Whidbey No. 15 and Genesis No 305. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star and was Worthy Patron of Alderwoood and Langley Chapters. Also a member a Fellowship Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Royal & Select Masters, Comamandery Knight’s Templar; and was a Shrine clown for many years. Recently he played in the Fun Band at the Bayview Senior Center. He was a member of the American Legion.

Bill and Bea were active in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bea; two sons, Denny (Lynn) of Mountlake Terrace and Gary (Donna of Wenatchee; one daughter, Lani (Michael) of Seattle; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Friday, Aug. 15 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. Interment was in the Bayview Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Whidbey Lodge. No. 15 or Genesis Lodge No. 305 Masonic Lodges.

Arranges were under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.