Norris Carter Larson

Longtime Evanston resident Norris Carter Larson was born on October 15, 1935 in Oak Park, IL and died on November 11, 2022 in Evanston, IL. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet Nieltopp Larson, daughters Karen, Andrea and husband Erik Craft and stepdaughter Elizabeth, sister Sally Larson of Cincinnati, OH, niece Peggy Nieltopp Dombrowski & husband Marty Dombrowski of South Amboy, NJ, their children and grandchildren; and extended family in Sweden.

His parents were Lillian Gundborg Isaksen Larson of Chicago and Axel Arvid Larson of Sweden. A son of working-class immigrants, Norris was the first of his family, both in the U.S. and Sweden, to have the opportunity for an education beyond high school. Born to parents in domestic service, his formative years in a wealthy household on Chicago's Gold Coast shaped his awareness of class distinctions.

After graduating Chicago's Schurz High School, where Norris performed in many choral concerts and Gilbert & Sullivan musicals, he attended UI-Navy Pier and UI-Urbana, earning a B.A. in 1960. While studying at Rutgers University, NJ in 1961, he met Janet Nieltopp at a jazz concert, and they married in 1962. Over 60 years together, they forged a partnership, raised a family, and supported one another in their varied interests. They fostered in their daughters their love of music, dance, travel, and adventure. After marrying, they attended Syracuse University, NY where Janet earned a Master's in Physical Education and Norris a PhD at the Maxwell School.

Karen and Andrea were born in Carbondale, IL where Norris was Assistant Professor of Sociology at SIU until moving to Colorado in 1968 to be a NIMH 2-year post-doctoral fellow at the Institute of Behavioral Science at UC-Boulder.

The family returned to Norris' hometown of Chicago when he took a position as Assistant Professor of Sociology at Loyola University, and eventually moved to south Evanston, IL. Not only a professor, Norris was a man of many talents and interests. In his working life he used his sociology and statistical skills as Research Director for Associated Consultants in Skokie, IL and Washington, D.C. He contributed his knowledge and skillset as Supervisor of Risk Management Research and HR Research at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

Norris and Janet participated in local, state, and national progressive politics, and were active and engaged community members and organizers. They were long-time members of the DPOE (Democratic Party of Evanston). Norris was elected to City Council, serving Evanston as 8th Ward Alderman. He took young Karen and Andrea canvassing door-to-door, instilling in them a life of active engagement in community, as well as strong ethical values ("You may not like our opponent, but it is not ok to take their literature and replace it with our candidate's – everyone should have a chance to read and decide for themselves.").

An avid sailor, he purchased an 11-foot Minifish with his brother-in-law, Robert Nieltopp, where he taught Karen, Andrea, their cousins Peggy & Carol to sail the bay of Long Beach Island, NJ. He planned a bareboat charter from Sarasota, FL with the immediate family, Sally and his Mother. He later sent Janet, Sally, Karen & Andrea on a 'Women's Sailing Adventures' student sailing course in the British Virgin Islands. After retirement, Norris and Janet purchased Easy Reach, a 42-foot ketch, sold house and car, and sailed from Chicago to the Western Caribbean. They lived on Easy Reach for 2 years before returning to Evanston.

Norris continued his love of sailing with Sail Chicago, serving as board member and teacher. At the age of 83, he earned his Captain's License with the U.S. Coast Guard and also sailed from Newport, RI to the Azores.

An examined life lived well, Norris took ownership as to himself and his own actions and was an example to the family and friends fortunate to have been part of his life.