Earl C. Willcott, 81
Dateline: Norton, MA
Earl C Willcott, 81 of Norton, MA., passed away on January 30, 2021.
He was the devoted husband of Ethel Willcott for 39 Years.
Earl was born in 1940 to Norma & Earl Willcott of Newport R.I. Earl graduated from Rogers High School in Newport R.I., June 1958. Earl went on to study Agriculture at the University of R.I. where he received his bachelor’s degree in June of 1964.
Earl worked at Jackson Nursery in Norton MA., As a skillful Landscape designer and eventually became co-owner. Under Earl’s leadership Jackson Nursery employed over 50 people and grew Nursery plants over 150 acres in and around Norton. Earl’s drive to constantly improve his business was also focused on the community of Norton he loved so much. He served on the Norton Conservation Commission for 24 years, carrying out responsibilities from administering the Wetlands Protection Act to open space planning and protection.
Earl transitioned from Jackson Nursery to his retirement venture with his wife Ethel, to create Newland Farm Inc. Using his knowledge and passion of agriculture- Earl was focused on the Organic composting business. This 10-12 hr. day adventure became more challenging when he decided the farm also had room for raising a flightless bird called an EMU. The Boston Globe- Herald and countless local and even regional reporters came to the farm and listened to Earl talk about his Emu operation as it grew to be the largest such farm in New England.
Earls Newport roots lead to his love of the ocean and this carried over into his adult life. With his first mate (Ethel) always by his side he loved boating and sport fishing. This time on his boat was a way to recharge the soul and spirit.
Later in life Earl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – He worked hard through physical therapy and was grateful to all the doctors, nurses and physical therapists that help him fend off the Parkinson’s challenges.
Earl loved family- his kindness and wisdom was shared with all the generations especially during the holidays. This Christmas was challenging for Earl both physically and emotionally- some days were better than others – but even with his mask on the smile in his eyes and love in his heart brightened up the room as he held his great granddaughter Rylie for the first time.
Earl was also a man of faith. He was proud to be an active member of the Fellowship Church in Easton, MA. In Lieu of flowers the family has asked donations to the Fellowshiponline.org would be greatly appreciated.
Earl worked tirelessly during his life at what he loved – a note pad at his side table contain Earls notes to himself –a handwritten list of 20 qualities a man should have - he put numbers next to his top 3 – Credibility- Integrity and Love of Family – No better words could describe Earl Willcott.
Earl Married Wife Ethel in July 1981 and blended 2 families together. Earl leaves behind two sisters: Louis Barry and Beverly Tanner and a stepbrother Peter Nilsen. He has 2 sons - David, Norman Willcott and a daughter Stephanie Carroll.
and 3 stepsons Robert, Bryan and William Beattie. Earl also has 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A small memorial will be planned later this year for immediate family members once the Covid Crisis allows a proper memorial.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com
Dateline: Norton, MA
Earl C Willcott, 81 of Norton, MA., passed away on January 30, 2021.
He was the devoted husband of Ethel Willcott for 39 Years.
Earl was born in 1940 to Norma & Earl Willcott of Newport R.I. Earl graduated from Rogers High School in Newport R.I., June 1958. Earl went on to study Agriculture at the University of R.I. where he received his bachelor’s degree in June of 1964.
Earl worked at Jackson Nursery in Norton MA., As a skillful Landscape designer and eventually became co-owner. Under Earl’s leadership Jackson Nursery employed over 50 people and grew Nursery plants over 150 acres in and around Norton. Earl’s drive to constantly improve his business was also focused on the community of Norton he loved so much. He served on the Norton Conservation Commission for 24 years, carrying out responsibilities from administering the Wetlands Protection Act to open space planning and protection.
Earl transitioned from Jackson Nursery to his retirement venture with his wife Ethel, to create Newland Farm Inc. Using his knowledge and passion of agriculture- Earl was focused on the Organic composting business. This 10-12 hr. day adventure became more challenging when he decided the farm also had room for raising a flightless bird called an EMU. The Boston Globe- Herald and countless local and even regional reporters came to the farm and listened to Earl talk about his Emu operation as it grew to be the largest such farm in New England.
Earls Newport roots lead to his love of the ocean and this carried over into his adult life. With his first mate (Ethel) always by his side he loved boating and sport fishing. This time on his boat was a way to recharge the soul and spirit.
Later in life Earl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – He worked hard through physical therapy and was grateful to all the doctors, nurses and physical therapists that help him fend off the Parkinson’s challenges.
Earl loved family- his kindness and wisdom was shared with all the generations especially during the holidays. This Christmas was challenging for Earl both physically and emotionally- some days were better than others – but even with his mask on the smile in his eyes and love in his heart brightened up the room as he held his great granddaughter Rylie for the first time.
Earl was also a man of faith. He was proud to be an active member of the Fellowship Church in Easton, MA. In Lieu of flowers the family has asked donations to the Fellowshiponline.org would be greatly appreciated.
Earl worked tirelessly during his life at what he loved – a note pad at his side table contain Earls notes to himself –a handwritten list of 20 qualities a man should have - he put numbers next to his top 3 – Credibility- Integrity and Love of Family – No better words could describe Earl Willcott.
Earl Married Wife Ethel in July 1981 and blended 2 families together. Earl leaves behind two sisters: Louis Barry and Beverly Tanner and a stepbrother Peter Nilsen. He has 2 sons - David, Norman Willcott and a daughter Stephanie Carroll.
and 3 stepsons Robert, Bryan and William Beattie. Earl also has 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A small memorial will be planned later this year for immediate family members once the Covid Crisis allows a proper memorial.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com
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