Norton Electric Wholesale Announces Passing of Walter Norton Sr.
Walter Norton Sr. passed away on February 16 from natural causes. He was born on April 18, 1927 and would have been 96 years old this year.
Norton Sr. began his career in the family business in 1947 and not only grew the business in the local southern California area but nationwide with a brand of power connectors. He also established export business into Mexico with lighting and power distribution lines.
Norton Sr. also became a major figure and influence in the electrical industry. He served in many of the major manufacturers’ advisory councils and among his many other accomplishments in the industry served as President of NAED and established an education foundation during his tenure. Norton Sr. was also a cofounder of the Western Independent Electrical Distributors buying group and he subsequently influenced and participated in forming IMARK Group.
According to Steve Cunningham, former CEO of IMARK, Norton Sr. was a real gentleman and a leader. “I don’t think that our TIED/WIED merger (which resulted in the formation of IMARK) would have happened if he had not convinced some vocal naysayers that it was in their best interest,” Cunningham said. “He was co-chair of IMARK along with Ab Potter at the inception of IMARK—two great guys.”
Norton Electric Wholesale hopes that he knew just how much he was admired and loved by his employees, associates, friends and family. May he rest in peace.
Arlington Industries Inc. President Thomas S. Stark Passes Away
Arlington Industries recently announced the sudden death of its longtime president and owner Tom Stark.
Arlington was purchased by his father Eugene Stark Sr. in 1949. Tom became president of the company after graduating from the University of Florida in 1975.
According to Steve Ruane of IMARK Electrical, “Tom was a great and good man. He was a true friend of IMARK and electrical distributors, in general. His company has made life easier for scores of electricians over the years. He will be missed.”
Born in South Florida on Nov. 9, 1953, he attended the University of Florida where he met his wife, Betty (Elizabeth) and earned his degree in accounting. He is survived by his wife, Betty; two daughters, Meredith (Camille) Oostwegel and Allison (Aaren) Riley and three grandsons, Spencer and Winston Oostwegel and Sawyer Riley as well as his brother Gene (Jean) Stark and sister Patricia Stark.
Greg Voutyras, Outside Salesman for Mars Electric Passes Away
Arlington Industries recently announced the sudden death of its Greg Voutyras, 71, outside salesman for Mars Electric Company, passed away on December 27.
The company released this statement, “It is with great sadness that we write to you to let you know that Greg Voutyras passed away unexpectedly last week. Greg was a member of the Mars family for nearly 40 years and was a dear friend and colleague to everyone he worked with. He would always greet you with a ‘Hey Chiefy’ and would always say he was doing ‘just peachy.’ All of us who talked with him on a regular basis will miss those interactions dearly. We will continue to keep Greg and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Voutyras achieved a master’s degree in urban affairs from Cleveland State University in 1979. He was a gregarious person with an impeccable memory who loved to talk politics and was an avid chef who enjoyed wine tasting. He spent 44 years working a beloved job as an outside salesman for Mars Electric Company. He truly enjoyed his family and friends, playing golf, watching football and classic films.