you were good at the french horn.

On behalf of my father, Don Dutton, and the rest of our family, we share our condolences with the Norton family. I know that my dad really respected Bob and had wonderful memories of working with him and coaching beside him during his Regina years. What a legacy Bob created, and his influence on Iowa City's students is immeasurable.

My prayers and thoughts to Carolyn and the Norton Family. As we all now Coach Norton was a tremendous basketball coach. His philosophies, strategies and teaching methods were way ahead of the norm. My brothers and I considered ourselves very fortunate to play under Bob's tutelage at Regina HS. There was no better "shooting coach" in the nation. As I continued on as a college player, I was always amazed at how advanced my fundamentals and game knowledge were than my college teammates. Bob had prepared and taught me well. I found the same to be true as I moved into college coaching and into a broadcasting career. Even to this day, during a broadcast, I will refer to Coach Norton's methods and philosophies to analyze a fundamental, a play or a game situation.

More importantly, Bob gave us confidence! Made us believe in ourselves and used his "underdog theme" as motivation. All that played for him remember his great quotes as we played schools much larger in enrollment than RHS. "If it were a street fight, we'd be in trouble, but they can only put five on the court at one time." "Once they are over 6' 5" it doesn't really matter how tall they are." And his most famous line prior to our Sub-state game vs Nationally Ranked Clinton St. Mary's (Whose front line went 6'10" 6'5" and 6'5"........... "I don't know how they can match up with us!"

He instilled discipline, accountability & confidence. We were well prepared and believed in his system. Although Bob was not a Catholic, he required us to attend Mass every game day. Dress well, be on time and carry ourselves as proud young men representing Regina HS. The name on the front of the Jersey was more important than the name on the back!

I will be forever grateful to this man. He instilled in me a love for a game that I still carry today. A love that has carried me through a career in coaching and now in broadcasting. Along with my parents and family, Coach Norton gave me the knowledge and discipline to be successful. Coach, if I failed to tell you "THANKS," I am doing it now. Rest in Peace as you join our Lord and Savior.

Kevin Lehman, Regina Class of 1973

Robert was a student teacher coach at U-High in 2960. He was a great guy and you could tell he was going to a great coach.

Prayers and condolences to his family. Be proud of him forever.

Norton family sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man,coach, and teacher. You will all be in my prayers. Keep all the good memories in your hearts forever. God Bless you all.

I knew Bob Norton best as my varsity basketball coach at West High for three seasons, from 1986 until 1989.

He believed in me, something that sounds simple, but can make such a difference. His belief in me paved the way to a really fun hoops career at West. His steady confidence and what I would now call professional way he treated me never wavered. All the times I wasn’t very good, he didn’t beat me down or make me feel lesser than. And when I played well, especially as an upperclassman, he would sometimes tell me, in detail, what he liked, and it meant the world.

As I get older I’ve looked back and appreciated the competitive fire he had, and how difficult it was for him to be part of losing seasons. I admire how he was wired that way, and respect the way he was an adult about it. I only wish we would have played better for him.

RIP Coach Norton. Thank you for investing time and belief into a part of my childhood that was of the utmost importance to me then, and feels good to remember now.

Paul Burmeister

My sincerest condolences to Carolynn and the entire Norton family. Each of us will have people in our lives that impact and influence us to become the individuals we are, Coach was one of those people to me. I'm sure there is a long list of athletes, students and friends that feel the same. Thank you coach for making a difference to so many.

Rest In Peace Coach.

Bill Volk RHS '72

They say it takes a village to raise a child…Coach Norton was definitely a part of my “village” as a kid growing up in Coralville. Rich and I have been close friends for many years and I have spent countless hours at the Norton house in Bob’s sphere of influence. He was a kind and generous person who shared his love of fishing,the outdoors and athletics. Bob and his brother Dick introduced Rich and I to the wilderness of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Provincial Park, an experience which inspired a lifelong love of canoeing and fishing. He also took us on trips to Backbone State Park and Colorado to fish for trout in his somewhat unreliable VW van. He was always patient and tolerant during these adventures in spite of our tendency to behave like teenage “knuckleheads”.

I was also a student of Bob’s at Northwest Junior High and played basketball for him at West High. He was a great teacher and coach. He was a fierce competitor and a tough but fair coach. He taught me what it meant to play ( and approach life ) with a “fire in my belly”

I was lucky to have Coach Norton in my life and appreciate all that he did for me.

My deepest sympathy to Rich, Mark, Carolyn and all the rest of the Norton family.

To the Norton family -

My deepest condolences on Bob's passing. God Bless you Always!

Coach Bob Norton was patient, kind, a devoted family man, a devout person of faith, a dedicated educator, a visionary and an amazing coach - a coach for life.

He and his boys - the Runnin' Regals of Regina High School - used relentless pressure defense and uptempo offense to run their way into the Iowa high school record books. Coach Norton was a mentor, friend, and a hero to many.

Coach - May the road rise to meet you! May the wind always be at your back - and may God hold you in the palm of His hand - until we meet again!

- Hank Murray

Carolyn and Family,

Having Bob as a teacher and coach greatly impacted my life. His passion and love of game made Regina a dominating force. I will remember him and your family in my prayers.

Steve Milder

Mr. Norton was one of my favorite teachers. He once told me that if I ever wanted to get into an Iowa basketball game for free to buy a kazoo with a case and walk confidently up to the security entrance and tell them I was there for the halftime kazoo band performance. He has always had a special place in my heart. (NW Jr High 1984)

Sorry to hear about Bob's passing. We were colleagues at NW Junior High for many years. Bob was truly an example of the finest in teaching and coaching. Spent a lot of time with Bob and Mark at lunch sharing stories, jokes and discussing the issues of the day. He will leave a lasting legacy to all the people he touched. Sincere condolences.

Jerry Mennenga

NW Junior High Industrial Arts

1973-2003

I taught with Bob Norton at NWJH for 10 years. He was great mentor when I had to teach American History and a fantastic colleague, Bob sang in the Methodist church choir with my mother, years ago. Bob was also my daughter's Amie, history teacher and Basketball coach. Bob was a great man, who modeled how to live. He will be missed. Mark, I know how much you will miss him,

Lois Altmaier Crowley

Bob was our neighbor for many years after his retirement and we had many good visits and of course, remembering the good ole days as our daughter's basketball coach at West High. Our kindest regards to Carolyn and sons during this sad time. We're here for you if anything is needed. Prayers and deep condolences, Don and Donna Farley

Dear Norton Family,

So very sorry for your great loss. Mr. Norton was one of my teachers in junior high at Regina. What a wonderful man. All good memories of him. Blessings to all of you at this difficult time. Celeste Cook Vincent

Carolyn- our prayers are with you and your family. We have so many memories from our 1970-1982 years in Coralville; both shared faith and basketball. -George and Martha White

Mr. Norton was one of the nicest teachers I ever had. I am so sorry to hear about his passing. Many prayers for your family.

My sincere condolences to Carolyn and the entire Norton family. I was privileged to play for Bob and to be mentored by him in the coaching profession. He impacted so many in a positive manner.

Rest In Peace, Bob.

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Enjoyed so much teaching with him starting at Regina.

Many fond memories of Bob, Dick and families come to mind. I was somehow shocked to hear of Bob's passing. though we have lost contact for a long while. Our sympathy to the family. Steve and Nancy Williams