Well-known Okanagan agricultural commissioner and anti-national park advocate dies

A well-known south Okanagan agricultural land commissioner and outspoken opponent of the federal government’s proposed national park, Greg Norton, has passed away.

B.C. Cherry Association president Sukhpaul Bal said he received an email from Norton’s closest friends that said he died in Mexico where he was attending a wedding, possibly of a heart attack.

According to the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) website, Greg Norton has been a fruit farmer in Oliver, B.C. since 1988.

Before taking over the fruit farm, he was a foreman with the Town of Oliver Irrigation District.

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Active in his community, Norton was chair of the Agriculture Area Plan Committee Rural Oliver, chair of the Environmental Farm Plan Working Group, chair of the Agriculture Research and Development, chair of the Agriculture Environment Initiatives Board, and president of the Loose Bay Campground Society.

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He was past president and director of the Okanagan Cherry Growers Association, past chair and director of the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen, past vice-president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, and the founding chair of the Sterile Insect Release Program.

Bal said Norton’s work with the cherry association was “integral” to the future success of the industry in the Okanagan.

“The BC Cherry Association was very saddened to hear about the recent passing of Greg Norton, a long time member and leader of the Cherry Association,” said a statement provided by Bal.  Greg’s dedicated commitment to the industry since the beginning, has been a major reason why the industry is where it is today.  Greg was never been shy to voice his opinion and take a firm stance on issues. His strong character garnered him respect not only in the Okanagan but throughout the Province. ”

“I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Greg Norton. His passing is a loss for the South Okanagan,” said RDOS chair Karla Kozakevich.

“Greg was a respectful, down-to-earth man who spoke from the heart, and was always an advocate for farmers and the broader agricultural community.  I know his loss will be felt far and wide.”

Norton was also an outspoken critic of the federal government’s plan to establish a national park reserve in the south Okanagan-Similkameen region.