The Fire Fighters Charity - Dedication for Frank Norton

Picture of Frank Norton.

The Fire Fighters Charity has been notified of the sudden death of Frank Norton who had only recently retired as a Trustee. Frank was a Board member for 8 years and gained great respect from colleagues and volunteers for his commitment to modernising the Charity and, in particular, his work on new Trustee and volunteer structures that led to significant changes in our governing documents.

The Charity would wish to send its sincere condolences to Frank’s wife, Jill, and to the family. Frank will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Added by: Hannah Williams on 25 May 2010.

Comments

Gary Geoghegan writes [8 January 2012]:

I still find it hard to believe that you are no longer with us. Jill kindly asked me to have your barbel fishing rods and reels and I can gladly report that I am still putting and good bend in them whilst fishing some of your favourite swims on the Teme. Every fish is dedicated to you mate. I really miss our long walks back to the car park in the dark when we would both offer excuses as to why it all went wrong or to rejoice in our success. I miss our fishing trips, our fire brigade banter and friendship. The river is a lonely place for me now but Franks rods WILL continue to grace the banks.

Tina Wyton writes [26 June 2011]:

Hi all,I can not believe a year has gone pass, that a dear friend was taken from us all suddenly, it still bears the pain so much inside . Yet again the river season has opened,And people have mentioned still strange they don't see frank on the river bed.FRANK You will never ever be forgotten. we have put a memorial bench on our lake were frank loved so much,I would not be surprised he has sat there before any body els.LOVE YOU FRANK XXX

Michael Lloyd writes [13 June 2011]:

This year Frank I will get that big Barbel for you, miss you fella!

Andy Newland writes [12 July 2010]:

RIP Frank, I worked with you in LFB and was grateful for your support and at times guidance. My thoughts are with your friends and family.

Steven Wyton writes [10 June 2010]:

I am proud and privileged to count Frank Norton as my best mate. We shared one of his many passions, angling. Frank was a perfectionist and I can not count the number of times he presented me with the next ‘wonder rig’ for catching Barbel and Carp. “What do you think of this”, he would say and “what would make it even better”.
He would always be willing to step in and help me out in my angling shop if I needed extra help. He was always available to proof read documents or letters that I, often, needed to write and even though it took him three attempts, he took great delight in teaching me how to use ‘Mail Merge’ when writing letters.
He was Chairman of Meadow Lake Carp Syndicate and took great interest in the activities and catch reports of all the members. The lads are really going to miss you Frank.
At his funeral I was delighted to meet his son and daughter and step-son and step-daughter and pass on some of my memories of their father, Frank always spoke dearly of them all. My thoughts are with Jill and all his family and friends at this sad time.
Your ‘TEAM’ are going to miss you Frank and not a single day will pass when I do not think of you. I miss you so much mate.
Sleep tight but make sure your bite alarms are on.
Steve

Ken Seager writes [6 June 2010]:

Frank, I can't believe you have gone. A East End boy who became a diamond with a heart of gold. I will never forget the pleasure of working with you on the Board and in the portfolio, nor will I forget the passion you had and shared for our Charity. You had so much to live for and so much more still to give. You've left this world a better place for your time on it. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Simon And Liz Bond writes [5 June 2010]:

We first met you over 20 years ago when you joined our family. Whenever we saw you, you always showed a great interest in mine and Liz's life. When Kate and Harry arrived, you showed the same interest if not more in what they were up to and what they hoped to achieve. You always encouraged them in their education and we know both of them are following your advice. Frank you will be sorely missed by the four of us and i'm sure by many others. Simon, Liz, Kate and Harry.

Dave Bond writes [4 June 2010]:

I first met Frank as a teenager and my first thoughts were, that Jill was with a lovely,thoughtful and caring man, since them early years and the more I got to know him my admiration increased tenfold for Frank.
Whenever I spoke to him about the fire service and anything else for that matter, he gave nothing but good, solid, sound advice and it now seems as though I have so much more to talk to him about,but unfortunately I can't, it still doesn't seem real that he's not here anymore and it certainly isn't fair!
The only thing left to say, is that the world is a poorer place without him and I could never have asked for a better uncle, thanks for the memories mate....

Lee Minton writes [4 June 2010]:

Frank will be dearly missed, he was a great man and a good friend. Me and Frank both shared a passion for fishing, He constantly nagged me to take him night fishing so a night was sorted, one that will stay in my mind and gives me fond memories of Frank. the bivvies were up, rods out and kettle on. As it was a cold night we decided to turn in early, anyway what happened next made us both laugh for a very long time to come,he had caught a carp in the early hours by the screaming sound of his bitealarm,and it was constantly going and going!!I shouted out to Frank and all i could hear was him shouting and balling,what had happened was that Frank had got in his sleeping bag and had zipped it up to the top and when he`d needed to get out quick the zip had jammed!!! oh we laughed,never forget you mate,hope the fishings good where you are.

Sue Taylor writes [4 June 2010]:

am so shocked, i never met jill but have the deepest sympathy for her loss. frank was a lovely very down to earth bloke i cant believe i wont see him limping past julian graves any more god bless all his family xxx sue

Keith Sheppard writes [2 June 2010]:

Frank will be sadly missed, i enjoyed some great fishing times with Frank. He also had many friends in the workshop and our thoughts are with Jill and family members at this sad time.

David Vas writes [1 June 2010]:

Frank was our dear friend and neighbout and we will miss him loads. We wish Jill our deepest condolonce and sympathy and pray that God will give her strength in this sad times.

The Vas Family

Mike Lloyd writes [31 May 2010]:

I am one of those lucky people that had the good fortune to meet him and very quickly became good friends listening to his many stories. His life revolved around many people and his hobbies like his football career (early on in his life), the brigade, his fishing and his biggest passion his wife and family.

Frank's sudden departure has left so many people devastated , I for one know just what a special feller he was and think of him several times a day and night and still find it hard to believe he has gone from this world to the next. Over the years we had spent a lot of time together at work, sat on the river bank or in the stands and bar at the rugby club chatting and putting the world to rights or reminiscing. I am proud to say that he had grown to be not just a mate but my best friend, although I Frank was such a well loved and respected man that a lot of people could say the same about him.

Frank I will be chasing that big barbel for you this season, our plan of attack is still going to be put into action buddy and I know you will be there with me.

My thoughts and love are with Jill all of Frank's family at this time, may your memories live on and keep you strong.

Mike, Melanie & Family -x-

Elizabeth Norman writes [31 May 2010]:

Frank was my grandad. He was a lovely man. He taught me how to ride a bike. He was a kind man, he helped me with my homework. He always wanted to help. He also loved his pets. He loved his dogs; solomon, jody and now little Hector. He also had five cats. I miss you very much grandad. Love you lots xxxx

Tina Wyton writes [30 May 2010]:

I new frank by coming into droitwich angling center.He was a very keen river angler was much his passion. my self (Tina) a keen carp angler. frank wanted also to learn carp fishing. My self and husband Steve (Steve wyton) helped frank. So the friendship started. i remember one day frank was in our shop i just served a customer and the customer turned to me and said were is your boss.'I replied it's my shop too' when the customer walked out i looked at frank and said (it's my shop too) Frank would laugh and make this comment on many occasion's. and make me smile. THOSE WORD'S WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME AND SO WILL FRANK. I loved this man so much and he has done so much good work for every body. mate you are in my heart always. and NEVER forgotten.xx My deepest love to Jill i hope we can share the pain you are going through x( FRANK leave some big carp for me mate)xx

Mike Pearson writes [28 May 2010]:

I first got to know Frank when he joined Hereford and Worcester Branch of NARF and he started turning up to the Annual General Meetings. He showed great interest in all events and was a great source of information regarding the Firefighters Charity. When our existing Secretary had to retire due to ill health Frank was the only person to put his name forward for the post, needless to say he was voted in with all haste. As Chairman I wondered what we had taken on but in a very short period of time Frank proved his worth, quietly and effectively he got on with the job and very soon I realised what an asset he was to the organisation. I thoroughly enjoyed the twelve short months that we worked together, he was an inspiration to us all and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go out to Jill and her family at this very sad time.

David Starkey writes [26 May 2010]:

I had met frank only on a few occasions, last being when he popped into droitwich to say hello, particlary to the kitchen staff of ronnie and den, and in passing, said hello, in his cheery way and asked how things were. i have just came off holiday and heard of this mans passing.. i always got the impression frank was the kind of man you could sit down and listen to for hours, indeed i had , only on a few occasions, had the pleasure of talking to him, sometimes at length about the world , and the fire service in general, a warm hearted,gentle man, who i found genuine and heart warming. il miss him , mainly because he was who he was, a gentle, effectionate, mild mannered soul who loved his job, and his life. not many of these people about. he will be missed

Chris Churchill writes [26 May 2010]:

Frank was one of the most genuine, warm, likeable people I have met in the Fire Service, indeed in my whole life. I was only talking to him at the Rugby a couple of weeks ago, he always stopped to shake my hand and exchange a few words whenever I saw him, at Sixways, in Tescos, anywhere in fact.
He was a great help to me earlier in my career, and was always honest and forthright, qualities which made him stand out from any crowd.
I was stunned to hear of his death, and will miss his humour, his warmth, his compassion.

Rest in Peace Frank, you will be remembered fondly by many many people, and sincere condolences to your family.

Kevin Pugh writes [26 May 2010]:

ALthough you could never get my name right and insisted on calling me 'Ernie' even during those heated moments I have much respect for you RIP - 'Ernie'

David Willey writes [26 May 2010]:

I've known Frank for well over 10 years in his capacity as a Fire Service colleauge and devoted supporter of the Firefighters Charity.
In whatever employment or retirement roles Frank has had, his support for the Charity has not been surpassed.His overiding priority was to ensure that the Charity resources were used effectively and without delay to support those people in need. Frank had an emensly strong desire to do well by people and went about this task in his own unique and passionate style.
I will miss Frank immenseley and my thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Gail Carrier writes [26 May 2010]:

Frank I cannot believe that I only saw you at Pam's retirment 'do' and now you're gone. You really were a larger than life character and whilst you always spoke your mind, you were, as Jan puts it, a big softie underneath that tough exterior. I think the two things that I'll always remember are:
You always had a big smile :0)
You ALWAYS called me Claire even though I would remind you it was Gail! You still called me Claire at Pam's party...
God bless you Frank. xx

Justin Bearman writes [25 May 2010]:

Having known Frank for 6 years, being his step daughter's partner, I very quickly learned what a true friend was. We spent time together at various football matches, at Sixways for the rugby and many hours chatting about music and computers.
Frank was a man who gave himself to everybody. Nothing was ever too much for him, he was always happy to listen and help but most of all was a man who had nothing but kindness in his heart.
It was an honour to have known him for the time I did and I will never forget the great times we had. Miss you mate very much!!!!!!

Jan & Phil Arpad writes [25 May 2010]:

The Fire Service is made up of all sorts of characters and Frank left his mark as "once seen, never forgotten" (meant in the best possible way). He was firm and fair and always thought of others; there was never a dull moment when Frank was around.

He was great to work for within the Ops Department and under that tough exterior was a great big softie who will be missed by so many of us.

We cannot believe that we will not see that smiling face anymore and our despest sympathy goes to Jill and family at this sad time.

Dave Smith writes [25 May 2010]:

What can one say about Frank Norton, those that come to mind immediately are: Dedication, Professional, Honest, Truthful, Reliable a great sense of Honour.

I first met Frank when he took on the post of the then FSNBF Chair of Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade. I say took on because that's just what he did, Frank left no stone unturned, picked the committee up and gave it a good shake. When the dust had settled we knew we had the makings of a great group and someone to lead us. Which over the years with his dedication to the role grew from strength to strength.

Frank took up the role of the Group 9 Trustee during the Charities transition period from being a relatively unknown Charity to what has become one of most professional in the UK. Frank always had a listening ear and was always available to mentor or give that advice you were looking for. Frank would however tell you straight if things needed saying and he always had my full respect for his integrity.

The Charity has lost a well respected loyal supporter, we will miss him immensely. I just hope Frank the place you are at, at this time can accept your decision making and organisational skills, especially with the time you will need to carry out your fishing and story telly.

My heartfelt and deepest sympathy goes out to Franks wife, Jill, family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time. Keep a spot for us Frank as I am sure you still have a tale or two for us when we catch you up.

Colin Sanders writes [25 May 2010]:

Many of us have lost a good friend whose friendship and loyalty knew no bounds. Frank was never a man to give you 110%, he gave you everything that he could and you could ask no more than that. I first met Frank when he was part of a promotion panel in Hereford & Worcester Fire Service and within weeks was working for him in the Ops Department and the start of our frienship.He became Chairman of the Ben Fund Brigade Council and as they say the rest is history, when asked he stepped up to the role of a Trustee and the Charity started to benifit from his dedication and experiance.

Little did I know that some years later the boot would be on the other foot and that I would be part of the panel interviewing him for re-selection as a trustee. Frank has left a stong legacy with the Charity thanks to his work on govenance and the volunter structure, we have lost a man who was passionate about the fire service and the Charity.He may have retired as a Trustee but we had discussed how he was still going to help the Charity within the West Midlands and to help me manage the Region.

Frank had many loves including his wife Jill, his cats, Hector the new puppy, music and his fishing. there are many fish in the river Teme near Worcester who have had a lucky escape from his new bait this coming season.

A senior collegue, a friend and a mentor who I can never consult again, I will miss your tales and advice so will we all. Rest in peace old friend and perhaps theres a good fishing spot in heaven set out for you.

Colin

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Frank Norton