Friday, September 27, 2019
Dear Norton Family,
My condolences to you. Charlie was a great teacher. In those chaotic days of the early 70's, when Goshen was going through a building and renovation phase in the school system, I had the good fortune to be a part of his class at Main Street (out in the panel fab classrooms). He could be strict and he expected us to work, but he always showed us he cared very much about each student. He helped to nurture my love of history, especially local history, and encouraged me to follow that passion far beyond the classroom.
I had a nice visit with him a few years ago, after Ginger had passed. Once we caught up on the present, it was back to reminiscing with a smile and a lot of laughter about the old days: the family; the firehouse doings; his failed attempts with Bob Gardner to produce a drinkable pot of coffee for the colleagues at Main Street; and whether or not Max Waldman was really a "trained" kazoo player when he entertained us all at "The Steakhouse.!" He loved his family, his community and he truly loved teaching. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be his students will never forget his influence in our lives.
Love and prayers to the family, and great peace now for Charlie!
- John Fraser
