Norman Linton Obituary

Norm Linton was one of the most interesting humans that I ever had the good fortune to get to know. He is the reason I am a sociologist and social worker. Always with coffee mug in hand, Norm would teach and advise in the most unusual fashion. He was incredibly gracious with his time to all the students at Fort Lewis College. Some of the best talks I had with Professor Linton were when I ran into him around town. Thank you, Norm, may you R.I.P.

Norm and I were close faculty friends during my brief academic career at U of C. We had a shared interest in sociological theory and economics. The result was hours of discussions about social science.

To this day, when I am pondering the current state of America, I ask myself "What would Norm say."

It works much better for me than W W Jesus Do?

He is still my partner in thought.
Ed Phillips

I met Norman at the Denver Center around 1968. I was a faculty member in economics. Norm and I were of the same generation and both from the state of Washington. We immediately bonded . We shared similar tastes in sports and politics. We become very close friends and also shared our views on society. Norm, who was more scholarly than me, became a tutor of sorts, and was tolarant of my academic shortcomings.

We spent many an hour in serious discussion. Later we even lived together (along with my three kids!)

I regard him as the most important intellectual influence on views of the world. We retained our intellectual routine for the next 50+ years.

He will always be my companion. Thank you, Norman and thank you Susan. Laural and i will always cherish our friendship. Norman will always be here.
Ed Phillips

My sympathies, Dr. Linton was a wonderful man and great educator. I thoroughly enjoyed his class and humor. I´ve thought of him often over the decades since college. Thank You Sir. RIP Tim Nelson

Norm was a wonderful man, full of compassion for the less fortunate and the more fortunate! He was my friend when I attended the University of Colorado, and he gave me much wise advice. I have missed him since we moved to Nevada. My condolences, Susan and Sarah and to all the rest of his many friends, and family, and other folks who also benefitted from his wisdom and warmth.

Sarah I am so sorry. Losing a dad is one of the hardest losses. Although he is at peace now, you will always have the memories to look back on.

Completed my BA in Psychology at Fort Lewis in the mid-70s, but because of Norm Linton's sincerity & accessible teaching style in the Sociology Department (along with Dennis Lum, Bob Bolin & Leland Stuart), I went on to complete my MA & PhD in Sociology. This small group opened my eyes to a social context for human behavior & development.

I may not have fully appreciated Dr. Linton as an undergraduate, but will always be grateful that our paths crossed at FLC. I was touched to read about his early life & professional achievements. I recall when his hand was seriously injured in a table saw accident while remodeling his house in Durango - it shook him up, but he didn't miss a beat teaching; I think he may have incorporated that horrible experience into his abiding regard for those who work at dangerous, physically-demanding jobs.

RIP, Norm. Many were blessed because you chose Durango and FLC. Condolences to family & close friends.

Norman,
A good friend, a wonderful colleague, and for me, also, an essential mentor/advisor. The clearest-to-the-heart-of-the-matter--thinker I´ve ever known, and (when asked) a giver of sound advice. Tied with Will Coe and Jim Decker as great question-asker. And fishing companion!
Many heartfelt thanks,
Lee Stuart

Never really new Norman , except for one time when Susan and Norman came for a visit to Toronto. Norman was a first cousin to Leonard, Ruth, Sonny(Leroy), Boyd, Gail, Larry, Murray, Mable, Pat and Myself. Had to add a photo Of Norma's father and all of his Aunts and uncles, except for Harold..When I think of Norman My tjoughts always go back to the early 19oos when this basically all started as the Finsants( Finsents) family... in ending There are lyrics of a song attached , about life during that era written by one of our grandmother's sisters Natalie..

Sorry to hear about Norm we were friends for many years. He was such a nice intelligent man. R I P Norm.