ARTHUR, William (Bill) Norris

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona William Norris Arthur (December 17, 1933 - February 15, 2013) William Norris Arthur Bill Arthur died Friday afternoon, February 15, at home surrounded by his family. William Norris Arthur was born December 17, 1933, in Kingman, Az. to William Norris Arthur and Wyona (Johnson) Arthur. While growing up in Kingman, attending the schools there, and graduating from Mohave County Union HS, he was known as “Norris.” Upon attending and graduating from ASC (now NAU), he was known as "Bill." He taught music and a little of everything else in Fredonia upon graduation. The next year he entered Occidental to earn a master's degree. Due to his Mom's health, he was not financially able to complete the program. Winslow High School needed a vocal music teacher and a general music teacher at WJHS. He remained in these positions for 19 years taking his WHS Madrigal groups on tours to sing at the Grand Canyon, Pioneer Home, Fort Whipple, and at many "small" Phoenix high schools. Each year his groups presented variety shows, musicals, talent shows, dinner concerts and, of course, the annual city wide Christmas program in the gym. Life wasn't always music at school. In 1961, he married Barbara Peters in Bradford, Vt. Their honeymoon was crossing the country to their new home in Winslow (actually a trailer in the Kinsley Ave. Court). To them were born two sons: Steven (Keri) in 1962 and Mark (Kim) in 1966. A male Samoyed was always part of the household. Bill, the boys, and a dog roamed within a 30 mile radius of Winslow daily bringing back tales and treasures. After completing his master's, he worked for the USFS as Knoll Lake patrolman summers while the family lived at Buck Springs. In 1976, after leaving education, he was employed as a tank truck operator and maintenance person at Blue Ridge and Happy Jack. Forest Fire fighting all over Arizona, in northern California and at Yellowstone made life pretty interesting. During this time he was a restorer of cars, including his Dad's '31 Model A which he sold after 75+ years, and a restorer of the family home. Also on his agenda was traveling and entering car shows, visiting car museums throughout the US (Barbara often read in the car or visited a nearby mall) and checking out the car auctions. He was too nervous to sing at Mark's wedding despite the fun singing in the Fearless Faculty Four which sang often in Winslow, his 30 years of Master Chorale participation as a baritone, singing and directing the Methodist Choir for over 40 years and singing for various other community events. Renee and Lilly, his grangirls, were the apple of his eye. Being with his sons at car events or swap meets and discussing mutually read books as well as activities centered around the church rounded out his satisfying life after he delivered Meals on Wheels and attended Water Aerobics at the City Pool. Services will be held Saturday, February 23, at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church in Winslow, AZ. Please no flowers! If you would like to remember Bill, please give to Hospice Compassius,1000 N. Humphreys Ste. 200, Flagstaff Az 86001. The donations will be used to provide care and support for ones without fund who desire to end their lives with dignity. Also, memorials may be sent to the First Methodist Church.