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Paragliding fatality at Lookout (Mt. Zion) in Golden
by Joe Beach
On Sunday 17 November at approximately 11:30am, Don Norris was killed in a paragliding accident at the Lookout flying site on Mt. Zion in Golden. Don was well-known and well-liked both locally and around the country. This column is to let people know both about Don's life and about the circumstances of the accident.
The following was taken from the written eulogy that was presented at Don's memorial service:
Don Norris (1939-2002) was endowed with an inquiring mind; he was inventive and versatile. Having earned his amateur radio (ham) license at age 15, call sign K6TFA, Don upgraded to an advanced license and was always the gentleman of protocol on the radio. He served two years in the US Navy aboard the USS Oriskany CVA34. For a time Don worked in avionics, supervising the installation of electronics into corporate jets.
Don loved horses and raised Arabians at his Blue Bead Farm. On his alfalfa farm in the high desert of California he drilled wells and built irrigation systems. Don was instrumental in establishing his alfalfa farm as a water reclamation site, ensuring that Big Bear Regional Wastewater Agency, California, would have a long-term disposal site for treated water.
Don held a US Coast Guard 100-ton masters license, with towing endorsement. For 8 years/30,000 miles, Don and Lois sailed aboard their 44-foot sailboat, primarily in the South Pacific. He was a scuba diver. Don qualified for a P3 paragliding rating. Most recently he labored on the ponderosa pine planting in Piney Creek.
Don's 90-year-old father Clarence resides in South Gate, California.
Several other pilots and I were present at Don's memorial service, and were able to speak with his family and friends. Although they were saddened by Don's death, they found some solace in the fact that his death was swift and occurred doing something he enjoyed. They were grateful for all of the assistance they received from pilots and the club, such as helping to handle contacts
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