COLDWATER (WTVB)- Two well-known Coldwater businessmen passed away over the weekend. Family and friends are remembering world famous auctioneer Dave Norton and Ted Short, an appliance and furniture store owner operator for more than 3 decades. David Norton owned and operated Norton Auctioneers in Coldwater for over forty years.  He conducted over 4000 auctions in 44 states and several foreign countries. David was also very generous with benefit auctions, helping to raise over 3 million dollars for their causes and was very active in his many trade organizations. The funeral Service for Dave Norton, who was 63, will be held on Friday at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater. Visitation will be Thursday from 2 – 8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Memorials may be directed to the Tibbits Restoration Fund.

Ted Short owned and operated the former Short & Sons appliance and furniture store for 35 years in Coldwater.  In 1992, Ted along with his son Ted Jr.,  together ,  began the Rampit Co. in Coldwater, where he had still currently worked.  Ted, who was 74,  was an avid golfer and a devout University of Michigan fan, especially for football. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and going fishing on the many trips he took with his friends. The funeral service for Ted will be held on Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater. Visitation will be tomorrow from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Branch County Humane Society.