WAYMAN BUTTERFIELD NORTON

MIDDLEBURY — Wayman Butterfield Norton was born March 15, 1937, in Burlington, Vt., and grew up in Bristol with his parents, Alta and Reuben, and his younger brother, William.

At a time when many people with developmental disabilities were sent to institutions, Wayman’s father strongly believed that his son should remain at home with his family, living by the philosophy, “We take care of our own.” Wayman did not attend school, but he went on to build a long and meaningful life filled with work, family, friendships, community involvement, and many interests.

Wayman lost his father in 1963. In 1981, when his mother needed nursing home care, Wayman moved into the newly opened Seminary Street Group Home and began a new chapter of his life in Middlebury.

Over the years, Wayman worked at Simmonds Precision, the Middlebury Inn, Zachary’s Pizza, Project Independence, the Congregational Church, and Community Associates. He also volunteered with ACCAG and Meals on Wheels. Wayman retired in 2007 at the age of 70.

Wayman found joy in so many things. He loved Special Olympics bowling and bocce, horseback riding, Bristol Band concerts, community suppers, Sing-A-Long, Bingo, crocheting, drawing, Westerns, Wii games, and music. A longtime member of the Middlebury Congregational Church, Wayman was also a proud member of the Festival on the Green committee. He eagerly helped throughout festival week and proudly wore each year’s new festival T-shirt.

Wayman had a special interest in watching his communities change and grow. He regularly visited construction sites in Middlebury and Bristol and kept a scrapbook documenting projects such as new bridges, town offices, and firehouses. He took genuine pride in seeing the places he knew so well evolve over the years.

Family was especially important to Wayman. His parents, Alta and Reuben; his brother, William, and sister-in-law, Linda; and his half-brother, Charles, and Charles’s wife, Ava of Wells, Maine, predeceased him.

He leaves behind his niece, Vaneasa Stearns and her husband, Dan, and their daughters, Alyssa and Lydia; his nephews, Chuck Norton and his wife, Kim, and their sons, Nick, Ross, and Joe, and Chip Norton and his children, Dana, Erik, and Will. He also leaves his Maine family, including his niece Kathy and nephews Ron and Rick.

Wayman was blessed with many people who supported, cared for, and loved him over the years. He leaves behind his close CSAC supporters Amanda, Penny, Peggy, Terrance, Becky, Lovly, Jeremy, and Theresa, as well as dear friends Emily, Tom, Jim, and Chuck. But we want to acknowledge all the support he has received from the CSAC community.

Wayman will be remembered as someone who worked, volunteered, participated, created, worshipped, loved his family, and took great interest in the communities around him. He lived a long life of belonging, contribution, and connection.

He was an important part of the lives of many people, and his absence will be deeply felt. Wayman will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Please join us in celebrating Wayman’s life on Sept. 24, at 1 p.m., at the Congregational Church of Middlebury.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts may be made to CSAC – Wayman’s Memory, c/o Beth Tarallo, 109 Catamount Park, Middlebury, VT 05753 ◊