Verdis Lamar Norton
It's never too late to start something with great purpose, especially if it is in service of humanity. Never stop growing, learning, and becoming." - Verdis Norton
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Verdis Lamar Norton
September 11, 1939 – April 14, 2025
With sad hearts, we announce the passing of Verdis Lamar Norton, who departed this life peacefully on
Monday, April 14 surrounded by his loving family.
Born under humble circumstances in the small town of LaPoint, Utah, Verdis was the eldest of seven
children born to Lamar and Velma Norton. Growing up, his parents instilled in him a strong work ethic at
a very young age that remained with him for his entire life. At the age of 3, Verdis’ Father Lamar, was
drafted into the second World War where he served under General Patton and was decorated with a
Bronze Star for heroics in battle. His Father’s military service had a lasting impact on his life. Verdis
served his country in the United States Coast Guard — which was a formative early chapter that shaped
his life-long discipline, resilience, and quiet strength.
Verdis chased, then married the love of his life Bonnie Jo Hillstead on January 9, 1961 in the Salt Lake
City Temple. Later that year, they joyfully welcomed their oldest boy, Bradley Joseph, followed by Jon
Arthur less than two years later. As a young father of two boys, he put himself through college while
balancing the challenges of full-time work and family. He earned a business degree from the University of
Utah in 1966. Nancy Jo and Steven Tyler joined the family in 1967 and 1970 respectively. Throughout
his life Bonnie remained his cornerstone—his wife of 64 years whose presence ensured their home was
always warm, joyful, and filled with laughter. Their partnership nurtured not only a beautiful family but also
extended love to all who entered their circle.
Verdis was deeply committed to the responsibility of providing for his family. He coupled hard work with
his gifts of critical thinking and drive to rise through the ranks into several senior leadership roles in the
food industry - with companies such as General Foods, Hobart and Kraft Foods. His 40 year plus career
took him and his family literally from coast to coast in the United States and ultimately back to Park City,
Utah where he and Bonnie “tried” to retire in 1997. At an age when most would be happy to be finished,
Verdis brought his many decades of experience to bear on the founding of ASEA at age 69. He had a
strong vision to help humanity with ASEA’s unique cellular health technologies that are now sold in over
34 countries around the globe. ASEA has become a legacy company impacting millions of lives across
the world through life changing products and humanitarian efforts on virtually every continent.
Verdis was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Bonnie served
in many leadership positions including full-time missionary service as Directors of the Family Tree Center
Genealogy Library on Main Street in Park City, Utah.
Nothing brought Verdis more joy than his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie, who remains
his eternal companion, and their four children: Brad (Debbie) Norton, Jon (Joanna) Norton, Nancy (Mark)
Thunell, and Tyler (Allison) Norton and his siblings; Delmar (Connie) Norton, Dea Miller, RaLayne (David)
Lundberg, Kordell (Heidi) Norton, Wade (Debi) Norton and (Greg “Buzz”) Butler. Verdis took immense
pride in his nineteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren (with more on the way), each of
whom brought him pure joy. His family was his greatest treasure.
To the ASEA family—thank you. You brought Verdis tremendous joy. He was profoundly grateful for
everyone who helped shape, support, and carry his vision forward. What began as a humble startup is
now a global force for good, and your continued belief in that mission was one of his greatest blessings.
Tuesday April 22
Viewing 6-8pm
Wednesday April 23
Viewing 9:30AM - 10:40 AM
Wednesday April 23
Funeral Service 11:00 AM
Both viewings and funeral service will be at the same location.
Highland South Stake Center
9626 N 6800 W St,
Highland, UT 84003
Interment at Highland City Cemetery following Funeral Service
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation.
advancinglife.org
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And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Verdi's had a giant heart, extraordinary vision and tremendous faith.
His heart was grounded in respect and his love of family..his own family and the global Asea family he created! His vision created the structure that launched change and success in thousands of lives and businesses. And his exemplary faith stood strong against doubt and naysayers.His mission of being a force for good through the thousands of lives he saved! Thousands of people were given a second chance at life because of belief and actions! I was so blessed by his friendship,support and love! Thank You Dear One!!
It’s been almost thirteen years since we first met. Autumn of 2012, Munich—a day I will never forget. Your words, your warmth, your belief in me... that meeting changed my life. At a time when I felt lost and full of doubt, you saw something more in me. And you told me so. Your words were like a lighthouse, a flame of hope that guided me forward. They gave me courage, lifted me up, and sparked new energy in me. Because of them, I took steps that many thought I would never be able to take.
You were like a father to me. A father who—even in my later years—took me under his wing, held my hand, and showed me a new direction. Your wisdom, your heart, your unwavering belief in people—you shared it all so generously. And because of this greatness, you have left a legacy that cannot be erased. Not now. Not ever.
Verdis, your presence helped shape who I am. Your belief in life, in the mission, in the power of the individual... it will live on. In me. In everyone who had the honor of knowing you. In everything you created.
Thank you. For every word. For every embrace. For every moment.
I will miss you. But you will remain in my heart forever.
Rest in peace, dear Verdis.
Your light doesn’t go out. It just shines differently now.
Wow what a beautiful family Verdis created, not just blood, but around the whole world.
I will always be forever grateful to Verdis for the legacy he created and for having the chance to meet him twice.
Once in SLC 2017 and the second in Grapevine Texas at the Gaylord Resort.
I was heading down in the lift when Nancy Thunell and Verdis stepped inside.
I thought wow, how lucky am I to be in the lift on my own with Nancy and Verdis.
Once in the lobby Verdis wouldn't let go of my hand, he held it tight. What a special moment that will remain in my heart forever.
That's exactly how he touched us all, with his kindness and soulful heart.
My deepest sympathy to you all. He will always be remembered.
Forever in our heart ❤️
I will never forget my meeting with Verdis and Bonnie in the hotel Mariott foajé in sept 2017 attending the Global Convention in SLC.. He was do thankful that I attende so fsr away..from Norway . I sm do thankful and proud of being part of this ASEA Journey ❤️ (so sorry I have lost all of my photos)
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Verdis embodied throughout their life.
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