Oliver fruit grower Greg Norton shows off an early cherry crop at his farm. Norton was very active in agricultural issues in the South Okanagan. He was also the spokesman for the Grasslands Park Review Coalition, which opposes a national park reserve in the area. (File photo)

The sudden death of a well-respected farmer and pioneer in Oliver has left the community in shock and mourning.

Greg Norton passed away on Saturday in Mexico while attending a wedding with his family. He was 65.

Pamela Minor, Norton’s sister-in-law, said Greg and his wife Chris went back to their hotel after a night of revelry and dancing.

“Greg sat down on the bed and said he didn’t feel very well.”

Then he died.

“It was a terrible shock,” Minor said.

She stated they may never know exactly why he died, but there was some indication it was natural causes.

“There was no indication something was wrong. He was a workaholic; he probably worked too hard,” Minor said.

She noted that Greg was always “go, go, go,” but he was slowing down a bit more and reducing his workload.

Norton began growing fruit in Oliver in 1988 after working as foreman of the Town of Oliver Irrigation District.

He was known for growing quality cherries on his farm, Okanagan Harvest, and was past president and director of the Okanagan Cherry Growers’ Association.

Norton was everywhere and was involved in many groups and organizations. He was past chair and director of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and former vice-president of the BC Wildlife Federation.

He was also the founding chair of the Sterile Insect Release program.

As president of the Loose Bay Campground Society, Norton was a strong advocate for migrant farm workers.

He ran for mayor of Oliver unsuccessfully in 1993, but in many respects was a leader in so many areas of governance.

He was a commissioner of the Agricultural Land Commission, and was big in supporting Oliver’s heritage.

Minor said Greg lived his life with passion and purpose, and was extremely devoted to his family.

“We are all feeling he left us too early, but he didn’t waste any time (in life).”

Minor said her brother-in-law was so full of energy. “When he walked into the room, you’d know it.”

Allan Patton, a fellow fruit grower and former Area C director, was really sad when he heard the news.

“All day I was pruning and couldn’t stop thinking about him and Chris. I’m going to miss him big time, I really am.”

Patton described Norton as such a force in the community and such a force for agriculture.

“I think agriculture has lost a big proponent. The world was a much better place with him in it.”

Patton called Norton a “political animal,” saying he wasn’t shy about expressing his opinion.

For example, Norton was a staunch opponent of the national park reserve.

But Patton said you could disagree with him and never worry about losing a friend.

Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes was “shocked” to hear of Norton’s death.

He pointed out the farmer had a huge impact on Oliver.

“As an entrepreneur, he produced and promoted Okanagan fruit. As a public servant, he gave tirelessly to the South Okanagan and was also a great family man. He will be missed.”

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said Norton was a passionate champion of everything related to agriculture and the lands of the South Okanagan.

“He was my friend and supporter, both as Mayor of Oliver and as MLA. He never addressed me as Linda, he always called me Larson.”

The MLA said Norton raised awareness about the value of the people and the land they inhabited.

She said Norton was a big supporter of migrant farm workers and always employed young people from Quebec.

Area C director Terry Schafer said he would miss Norton.

“In my involvement with Greg it was his jovial good nature that I found so endearing.”

Schafer said Norton was such a prominent character in the community, whether it was as a Rotarian or champion for fruit pickers at Loose Bay.

LYONEL DOHERTY

Special to the Times

The community in Oliver and area is mourning the death of Greg Norton, who died last Saturday in Mexico while attending a family wedding. (Lyonel Doherty file photo)