Washington - On September 12, 2022, Philip C. "Skip" Norton passed away at the age of 93. Skip was born on March 15, 1929, to Philip L. and Dorothy M. Norton and was raised in Tacoma, Washington. He attended Washington Elementary, Meade Junior High School, and graduated from Stadium High School in 1947. Skip attended the University of Puget Sound from 1947-49 and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

While in college, Skip enlisted in the US Marine Reserves and was called to serve in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. Serving in the 1st US Marine Division, he was a survivor of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir (now in North Korea), where 15,000 Allies were surrounded by 120,000 enemy forces. The Allies fought their way, walking 78 miles over rough terrain and in -30 degrees weather, to rescue at the coast.

After returning from military service, Skip earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Washington in 1957. He joined Fred Bassetti's firm in 1958 and became a partner in 1969. Skip was a member of the American Institute of Architects and active in community service on the Seattle Board of Adjustment, Pike Place Market Historical Commission, the Seattle Aquarium Society Board, and the Seattle Sports Advisory Council.

Notable local, regional, and international projects from his 36-year career in which he was Principal-in-Charge included: Lakeside School, Government of American Samoa (5 projects including the Samoana High School), Seattle School District (Wing Luke Elementary and Franklin High School), Central Washington University (dormitories), Western Washington University (Ridgeway Dormitories), Pullman High School, Seattle Public Library System (University Branch and West Seattle Branch Carnegie renovations), and the Pike Place Triangle Building and Sanitary Market renovations. Skip was also the Principal-in-Charge of the design and coordination of the Architecture Program for the Seattle Aquarium.

Skip was an avid sailor, runner, skier, and tennis player. An accomplished sailor, he built his own sailboat in high school, and successfully raced Mercury Class keel boats in the 1970s on Lake Washington with the Corinthian Yacht Club. For many years, he participated in the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Run and was often the oldest participant in later years. After retiring, Skip joined the West Woodland Tennis Club and played tennis almost every Friday that it didn't rain.

Over the years, Skip always found time to work on his long-term project, the handbuilt Northilla beach house. He continued to improve and embellish the beach house with usable lumber and interesting flotsam found beachcombing. The beach house remains a legacy for family and friends to enjoy.

Skip is survived by his wife Esther, daughter Sara Norton, son Andrew Norton (wife Denise Lathrop), and granddaughter Della Norton

Memorial donations may be made for Parkinson's research or to Special Olympics, Washington.