Douglas W. Norton, 53, of Centennial, CO, left the earthly world by taking his life on August 10, 2018. He will be remembered for his love of music, self-taught gifted talents in drums and guitar, his creativity and humor, expert dirt biking and as an avid runner who enjoyed a unique hobby of running university campuses. Doug charmed the people he met and was a good friend to many. Born July 10, 1965, Doug grew up in Valparasio, IN and attended Purdue University graduating in 1988 with a BA in Telecommunications. Go Boilermakers! He had a long and successful career in television and broadcast operations starting in Champaign, IL at WCIA Channel 3 News as a videographer, later moving to Colorado in 1991 where he initially worked for TCI. He was an original hire of DIRECTV working there from its ground breaking startup, in supervisory and later management positions, as a valued employee and colleague for over 22 years. At the time of his death, Doug worked for Comcast as Manager, Video Acquisition and Compression Engineering. He was well liked and respected as a boss and colleague.
A loving family man, Doug leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Shelley Thompson-Norton originally from Paxton, IL. Doug and Shelley married September 2, 1995 in Morrison, CO. They have two beautiful children, Sophie Reese, 17, and Jude Jack, 14. Additionally, Doug is survived by his sister, Carol L. West and her husband Eric of Valparasio, IN, a brother, Daniel P. Norton and his wife Nicole of Williamsburg, VA, and his step-mother, Pam Norton of Harrison, MI. Doug lived near Shelley’s extended family in Colorado including his father-in-law, Jack Thompson (Mary), his brother-in-law, Roger Thompson and wife Yumiko, sister-in-laws, Kim Thompson Hornak and husband Eric, and Robyn Thompson Etzel (Todd). Doug also has several nieces and nephews; Turner West, Jackson West, Ryann Norton, Stella Norton, Jeremy Thompson and his wife Ali, Amy Thompson, Robby Thompson, Riley Etzel, Brenne Etzel, Leah Hornak and Dawensley Hornak. Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Judith Kay (Redmond) Norton and father, Phillip Wayne Norton.
As a family, the Nortons enjoyed their big back yard and playground that is Colorado spending much time in the mountains hiking and dirt biking. Their annual July 4th trip with the extended close-knit Thompson family was a favorite tradition. The Nortons together also enjoyed attending sporting events (Rapids, Rockies, Avalanche), concerts, especially at famed venue Red Rocks, and participating in charity walks and 5K runs together. Doug was especially proud to watch his children participate and excel at the activities they love, Sophie Reese with her dance and Jude Jack with his soccer and running, and of course them both well on their way to becoming accomplished dirt bikers with the help of Doug’s instruction and guidance. All family events and holidays were a very special time with our traditions and there will be a noticeable void without Doug’s presence. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life Service for Doug will be held in his honor at Quebec Place in Denver, CO on September 29, 2018.
The Norton family requests any desired donations go to one of the following charities:
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence - https://www.ncadd.org/
Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado - http://www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org/

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