Norton Ernest passed from this life on July 10, 2017 surrounded by family in Helena, MT. Norton L. Ernest was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, February 28, 1921, to George and Elizabeth Baker Ernest. He grew up in the small village of Dakota, Minnesota, on the shores of the Mississippi River. As a teenager he led a Tom Sawyer like existence, spending the summers fishing from his own boat and in the fall hunting with his .410 shotgun in nearby hills. He financed his early spending by selling the fish he caught to local markets.
He celebrated his graduation from high school in the 1930’s with a month long canoe trip in the Thunder Bay Wilderness along the Minnesota-Canadian border living off the fish he and his companion caught. He liked to tell about canoeing in an area that was then still a pristine wilderness and seeing only three other canoe parties during the month they spent canoeing along the border.
After Pearl Harbor, during his third year at the University of Minnesota, he enlisted in the army college reserve and entered active duty in early 1943 in the Field Artillery. He married his long-time sweetheart, Arlene Christopherson, the day before he enlisted.
After discharge from the Army in 1946, he re-entered college and graduated from the University of Minnesota. He was employed as a Sr. Wage and Salary Analyst by Minneapolis-Moline Company until he moved to California in 1952. In San Jose, CA, he and his wife owned and operated a motel and later owned the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in the South Bay Area.
In 1962, he was employed as administrator of Glenn General Hospital in Willows, CA. He was successful in establishing the fiscally troubled County Hospital as a financially self-supporting facility with full JCAH accreditation.
In 1972, Norton was employed by National Medical Enterprises as CEO of Chico Community Hospital. During his tenure the hospital doubled in size and opened the only Burn Treatment Center north of Sacramento. He initiated many innovative services at the hospital including co-founding of the non-profit Chico community Hospital foundation that was committed to activities to improve community health education. He served as its president for 7 years. The Foundation is now known as the North Valley Health Education Foundation.
In the late 1970’s he became a NME’s vice-president for hospital development for the western U.S. During that time he also served a period as CEO of Redding Medical Center.
Following retirement he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Western Europe and South America.
Norton followed his mother’s example of community service. In Minneapolis, he was his company’s advisor to high school Junior Achievement groups.
In Glenn County, California he was a vice-chairman of Willows first planning commission. He was an officer of the Willows Chamber of Commerce and two term president of the Glenn County Chamber of Commerce. He founded and was president of the Mendocino Pass Association to develop recreation and a highway to the coast through Mendocino National Forest.
During the 1970’s he was sent to Washington, D.C. by the Northern California Comprehensive Health Planning Association to gain legislative support for health planning legislation.
He served as president of the Butte-Glenn Unit of the Heart Association for two terms and served on the Heart Association’s state board.
He helped organize men’s health events in both Chico and Sacramento.
As a retirement hobby business, Norton and his wife showed and sold antiques at shows throughout Northern California for several years. He became a wood carver and built many pieces of walnut furniture for their home.
In 1991, Norton had two surgeries for advanced prostate cancer. In January 1995 he organized a prostate cancer support group in Chico to serve men in Butte, Glenn and surrounding Counties. As well as counseling men by telephone, he developed a slide presentation for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer which he showed every month at the Enloe Conference Center. The presentation was put on a compact disc and has been distributed to support groups in North Central California by the American Cancer Society to educate men about prostate cancer.
Working with American Cancer Society staff in Sacramento, Norton assisted in establishing prostate cancer support groups in many Central California Cities. For his work with men with prostate cancer and his legislative advocacy efforts, the American Cancer Society awarded Norton their highest award, the prestigious St. George Medal. He was one of two Californians to receive the St. George cancer award in 2005.
Norton and Arlene moved to their Mission Ranch home in Chico in 2005 and then relocated to Helena, MT in October 2016.
Norton and Arlene have a daughter, Nancy Joan Dupre (Dennis) who lives in Helena, Montana. They also have 4 grandchildren in Montana, Jesse Dupre in Missoula, Mt, Rebekah Dupre and Clare and Thea Dupre in Helena. He also has a brother Wayne Ernest in Missouri and numerous nephews and nieces scattered throughout the US. Norton is survived by his wife of 75 years, his daughter and grandchildren. He requested that any remembrances be sent to the American Cancer Society to support cancer research.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Norton.
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Melba Johnson Winsell says
A wonderful life for a wonderful man. I have the fondest memories of Norton and Arlene from my childhood in Willows. My father, Bob Johnson, rode the Mendocino Pass with him when they tired to get a road through. So nice to see all that he accomplished. My thoughts go out to Arlene and Nancy.
Kathleen Muldoon says
My late husband, Bill Banaka, and I always enjoyed meeting Norton and Arlene during our walks in the park by Mission Ranch. Both were charming and interesting and it was obvious to all how much they loved each other. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Arlene and her family.
Susan Lundy says
Dear Arlene~Nancy ~and Family..
I read of Norton’s passing and well written obit in the Chico paper…. I had always been fond of Arlene and Norton and our Visits thru the Many Years while I cut their Hair….There moving to Montana was the right thing at the right time….
I hope Arlene still has her Cat ‘Gandi’ . My Caring thoughts to you All , Warmly ~ Susan Lundy
Matthew Foor says
I am so sorry to hear the news of Norton passing. He has done so much for the community and gave so much of himself to help others. He set a wonderful example for others, of how one person can help so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May God rest his soul.
Matthew Foor
American Cancer Society
Gary Wilson says
Dear Arlene & Family, I am saddened by the news of Norton’s passing however realize he was a man that live life to the fullest. I loved the time I spent with Norton on our many trips to mountain and valley towns small and large educating men and women about prostate cancer treatment, research and focusing on quality of life issues. Norton taught me many things on our “road trips” however the most important was to cherish everyday, the small things in life are really the most precious and take time to tell you family and friends you love them. I loved you Norton as did the many people whose lives you touched !
Fondly,
Gary Wilson
Director, Cancer Control (Retired)
American Cancer society
Margaret Friesen Genetin Toews says
My sympathies to Arlene and Nancy in your loss. I am a friend from Willows High, Nancy, and have often wondered where you live and wished to get in contact with you. May God bless you and keep you.
Richard MacDonald says
I was fortunate to move to Chico to practice medicine just as Norton began as CEO/Administrator of Chico Community Hospital. Over the years, while on various committees, and then as Chief of the Medical Staff, and as Chairman of the Board, I observed the incredible manner of managing that Norton accomplished. Having been Chief of Staff and Board Member at a prior hospital located in Southern California, the comparison of working with Norton was an absolute pleasure. He soon knew the name of every employee, as well as the physicians, and displayed a calm and reassuring presence no matter how stressful situations might be. Norton and Arlene attended all medical and employee functions, adding their special way of conversing with everyone, making all feel comfortable and able to enjoy the events. Norton made Community Hospital the preferred place to be, whether you worked there or were a patient. He has been sorely missed by the medical community in Chico. My sincere condolences to Arlene and family.
DELORES DEAN , R.N. says
I worked at at Chico Community when Mr Ernest was administrator. He was friendly and well-liked. He came to some of our CCH employee lunches the last few years and he was welcomed by all. Of all the administrators that I worked with at CCH he was the best and will be fondly remembered.