John "JT" Terrence Norton

STANDISH – John Terrence Norton, 27, JT, Xhaiden (spirit name), hockey player, skateboarder, archer, outdoorsman, caregiver, loving brother, friend, nature-boy, artist, poet, writer, inventor, religious scholar, missionary, volunteer, cribbage enthusiast, friend to all and loved by all. John (JT) Norton was born at Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Fl. on February 28, 1989 and lived in Standish, Maine. He was the son of Terrence and Suzan Roberts Norton. He came into the world full of spirit, a breath of fresh air, our second son. He walked and talked very early and had an inquisitive mind from day one. Throughout the years, he always had groups of kids following him everywhere while they rode their bikes and roamed the neighborhood in Redbank, South Portland. Later our family moved to Standish which became his community, he recently told us. He said the woods, Sebago Lake, rivers, streams, trails and sand pits were beloved parts of his childhood. He played hockey throughout his school years for Bonny Eagle (#8), graduating in 2007. Under the coaching direction of David Pederson, his team received the Sportsmanship award several times. He also received some awards for hockey as well as having been chosen as one of two from BEHS for the Maine All-star Team in 2007. He later became level three certified to coach hockey for BEMS briefly. During this time he also received his Hunter Safety and Personal Support Specialist so he could care for his brother, Michael. There was nobody better suited to care for his brother because JT was most caring of his brother. They were bonded and shared common friends and often could be seen skateboarding around the area and filming stunts. He was swift and reactionary when he cared for his brother, twice saving his life and making hard decisions. We were grateful to know our sons’ friends. He had a unique skateboard style and once competed in a contest at Sunny Breeze with his boots on, coming in second. Shortly after leaving school, JT started having some struggles. We noticed it was as if he was trying hard not to become an adult, and at times we noticed risky and unusual behaviors. We were unable to reason with him and he became defiant and unable to make good decisions as his judgment was clouded. His circle of friends dwindled because they couldn’t understand what was happening to their friend. His family did not understand what was happening either. He distanced himself from family as well. After some erratic behavior in 2012, he was hospitalized, and this would be the beginning of his long struggle the next few years. This would not be the end of his hospitalizations. He was hospitalized three times within two years. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with the serious brain disorder of Schizophrenia, which broke our hearts. We would have to watch our son try to live a good life with such a deficit. We never realized that Schizophrenia is very common. We educated ourselves and learned we just needed to listen to him and offer to accompany him to appointments and facilitate blood draws and getting his medicine and seek better treatments. Most importantly, it took time that he accepted the deficit of his illness and then he became proactive in his care, made his appointments and educated himself about his illness. He loved roaming the woods and was happiest collecting nature’s bounty, things he could eat such as mushrooms, berries, plantains and other wild edibles. Once he tried diligently to get onto a TV survivor man show building a bark hut in the back yard. He educated himself about all things nature. He enjoyed hunting and archery. He was able to venture out into the community and purchase from small farmers locally for quail eggs, and to purchase dairy products at Leary’s dairy and went to Chet’s for advice on archery. He was willing to help anyone who needed a hand, and searched for ways to help others. A member of Portland BPOE 188, he was kind, generous, thoughtful and gracious. In his quest for religious knowledge, he was first baptized a Mormon. He strived to be the best person he could and eventually found peace and comfort reading from his Book of THOTH, Maitreya.org (one World, one Humanity, one Savior, and one God) JT and others who live with Schizophrenia, face annoying intrusions, static and constant noise in their brain, so his faith was a great comfort. This last week was a struggle for him, awake for days and not able to sleep. We were unaware he was so fragile, but did notice he appeared quite sad as he also had depression and anxiety. He became exhausted and could no longer endure his torment of his brain. We would like you to remember JT in Life, our Son who cared deeply for others, and loved his Brother and his extended family. In his illness, he was a shining star trying to spread the good word of God so that others may have peace in their lives. One of the last things he purchased was to name a Star which he named “Maitreya”. Remember him when you walk the trails or take a dip in the lake, hike and fish, or look at the stars, because he was a great gift to our family, so humble, and he loved you all. John is survived by his beloved brother, Michael J. Norton, his parents, Terrence and Suzan Roberts Norton of Standish, Me. He leaves behind his grandparents, John and Patricia O’Donnell Roberts of South Portland, Me., and his grandmother Patricia O’Keefe Blackwood of Wales, Ma. And Clearwater Fl. He also leaves behind Aunts and Uncles, David and Sally Gassett Roberts of Winthrop, Me., Denny and Sharon Roberts Conley of South Portland, Me., Erwin and Carol Roberts Merrill of Westbrook, Me., Anthony and Jeanne Norton Roman of Holland, Ma., and Michael and Andrea Norton Beaudry of Brimfield, Ma. He is survived by several cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests : Pine Tree Society, 149 Front St., Bath, Me 04530 or Make –A-Wish of Maine, 477 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, Me. 04101 or National Alliance of Mental Illness ( NAMI) of Maine , 1 Bangor St., Augusta, Me. 04330 and lastly his most comfort came from: Eternal Divine Path, Mission of Maitreya, PO Box 44100, Rio Rancho, NM 87174. A funeral will be celebrated at 2PM on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Rd., Windham. Visiting hours will be held from 12 noon until the time of the service. A reception following the service will be held at the Portland Elks at 1945 Congress Street, Portland, Me, across from Portland Jetport entrance.

John "JT" Terrence Norton

February 28, 1989 - December 15, 2016

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