Patrick Cornelius Norton

OBITUARY

Patrick Cornelius Norton, 66, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack at his home in Kirkland, Washington on December 15, 2025. He was the son of John Joseph Norton, Jr. and Kathleen Mary (Cummings) Norton (both deceased) and the brother of Kathleen Mary Norton, resident of Galway, Ireland. He was also the cousin of Jean Marie (O’Neill) Schroeder of Alamo, California and best friend to Alison Gregorio Panicko of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Patrick and his sister grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and he was a coxswain for the T.C. Williams Varsity Crew. He was a kind-hearted soul known for his generosity and thoughtfulness whose laughter and love for life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

A proud veteran, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1977 as a computer specialist stationed RAF Brawdy, Wales, then became a member of the crew on the U.S.S. Barnstable County as a diesel engine mechanic below decks where he was also in charge of the maintenance of the ship’s boats. He went on many tours to the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, where he especially loved the Norway fjords. He served a second enlistment from 1983 to 1988 on the U.S.S. George Phillip, FFG-12, going to the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf. Upon separation from the Navy, he moved to Bellevue, Washington to work for Teijin Seiki.

Patrick knew there was more to life than pursuing a career and having fun. He was confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church and loved attending St. James Cathedral in downtown Seattle and working in the soup kitchen. His faith was strong and a guidepost for his life. Patrick lived his beliefs through his actions, treating everyone he met with respect, empathy, and compassion. His beliefs and faith guided him through life’s ups and downs, providing comfort and strength to those around him.

Pursuing his passion for knowledge, he put himself through Seattle University at night earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy in 1996. His intellectual curiosity and love for deep conversation were hallmarks of his character.

Always trying to improve himself, he moved to San Diego in 1997 working for Qualcomm. He completed an e-Discovery and Litigation Certificate at UC San Diego, which led to his employment at Cooley, LLP, where he worked for the last 17 years. Longing to return to the lushness and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Patrick returned to Seattle in 2018, living a short time in Snohomish, settling in Kirkland.

Patrick’s zest for life was perhaps most evident in his varied interests. An avid enthusiast of motorcycles and car racing, he found joy and freedom on the open road and at the racetrack. Always attracted to the open water, he enjoyed sailing off the coast of San Diego. His revel in the music of Led Zeppelin was legendary. He treasured visits to Disneyland, the San Diego Fair, riding his motorcycles, attending live concerts and watching the Indy 500 in person and remotely. He adored old movies, like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “Around the World in 80 Days,” and Looney Tunes, especially Foghorn Leghorn. He enjoyed reading naval historical novels and was a Tom Clancy fan. An avid animal lover, he doted lovingly over his precious cats, Pepper and Smokey. Capturing and living every moment to the fullest was his motto.

Patrick was generous, kind, hard-working, very thoughtful, and had a contagious sense of humour. He always put himself last to a fault. Patrick will be missed beyond words.

There will be a public memorial service for Patrick at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., in Culver City, California, on February 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Redeemer Chapel (across from the office). All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California, are appreciated. It was a charity close to his heart.