Norton, Donald William (Don)

New Minas, NS

February 20, 2025

Donald William "Don" Norton, 73, recently of New Minas, Nova Scotia and formerly of Adrian, Michigan passed away on February 20, 2025 with his two beloved children and his loving sister at his side.

Born and raised in Shawinigan, Quebec, he was the son of Hal and Eileen (MacLeod) Norton. Despite a cancer diagnosis last fall, Don continued to make the most of every day, happily carrying on in his own quiet way with gratitude and strength. While in the hospital he joyfully claimed that he had lived a great life, gesturing to his children with a smile.

With the passing of his loving wife, Isabella Norton (Del Col) of Toronto in 2010, he admirably continued to raise their then teenaged children, Michael Donald now of Baltimore, Maryland and Sarah Rose now of New York City.

Don is also survived by his sister Pat Norton, sisters-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

From the time he knew of the existence of cars, he loved them passionately and ultimately enjoyed a career in auto race engineering which took him all over the world. He worked for Shierson Racing and world renowned Illmor Engineering, building engines for both Mercedes and Chevrolet that helped them win numerous Indy 500 championships. In 1992 he worked the Penske Indy car test with Formula 1 World champion Aryton Senna. Throughout the racing world, and among his family and friends, he was known as "Dyno Don".

Don became a proud member of the Acadia Region Porsche Club after purchasing his own in 2022; it had been a life goal of his. He enjoyed cruising along the scenic roads of Nova Scotia for his last few years, teaching both his children to drive stick shift and memorably stating "we not only want to be good drivers, we want to be great drivers".

A family celebration of Don’s life will be held in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, and a private burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery, Steam Mill, in the spring.

Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.