Remembering John Norton

The board of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute is deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime board member Mr. John Norton.

Don Anderson, Chair of the Board, said “John dedicated over 30 years of his time and energy to PPRI, becoming a vital member of the board of directors. His legal expertise was instrumental in shaping numerous agreements with the University of British Columbia, including those supporting our most recent initiatives. John was deeply committed to supporting new researchers, often advocating for ways to ease the financial challenges of living in Vancouver. He was especially passionate about attracting young talent to help secure the future of UBC’s research centre. Above all, John created an environment where everyone felt heard and valued—always offering kindness, respect, and a genuine willingness to listen.”

John Norton, whose father suffered with Parkinson’s disease, was a friend of the John and Elizabeth Nichol family and was invited by John to join the PPRI Board in 1992. John Nichol valued John’s friendship highly and was grateful for his stalwart support of PPRI. In addition to his financial and strategic contributions, John offered valuable legal insight and was always willing to lend a hand in any way needed.

Throughout his 33 years on the Board, John demonstrated enduring commitment and active involvement in the work of both PPRI and PPRC. He regularly attended Board meetings and PPRI events, contributing consistently for more than three decades. John played a key role in establishing the Insured Annuity Program, which has generated over $2.1 million in donations to PPRI. As a dedicated fundraiser, he not only encouraged others to give but also contributed personally alongside his wife Diane, including their generous participation in match funding for the Porridge for Parkinson’s (P4P) events in Kitsilano—events that ultimately led to the creation of the Marg Meikle Professorship at PPRC, now held by Dr. Silke Appel-Cresswell, Director of the Pacific Parkinsons’ Research Centre.

As Dr. Cresswell noted, John’s “kindness, zest for life and incredible commitment, including to PPRI, stood out in any encounter.”