Norris Jay Critchlow's Obituary
Norris Critchlow, 68, of Grantsville, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2026.
Norris was born in Ogden, Utah, to Lyle and Martha Critchlow, growing up alongside his sister and seven brothers. The family later moved to Grantsville, where he attended school and put down the roots that would shape the rest of his life. He was a standout athlete at Grantsville High, setting school records in track and field and playing safety on the football team. He graduated in 1976.
On June 20, 1979, Norris married Joan Lefavor, and together they raised eight children in Sandy, Utah. In the early years of their marriage he owned and operated an automotive paint and body shop, and he later joined the family envelope business, where he worked for many years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you knew Norris, you knew about horses — Quarter Horses, especially. He spent years training and racing them, with GSR Town Dude standing out as a clear favorite. He raced in Richfield through the 1980s and '90s and chariot raced with his family in Tooele, traveling each year to Ogden to compete in the World Championship Cutter and Chariot Races. He read every issue of The American Quarter Horse Journal cover to cover, kept a close eye on bloodlines and trends, and never missed the Kentucky Derby.
Norris had a gift for storytelling and an even greater gift for finding a stranger to share those stories with — often about his next big idea, the one that was finally going to make it. He was good-humored, handy with a wrench, and could bring a worn-out vehicle back to life. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and any excuse to be outside, especially when family and friends came along. At home, you'd usually find 90s country playing in the background or John Wayne and Chuck Norris on the screen.
He is survived by his children, Darin (Kristi), Eric (Celesta), Amber Kleckner (Kurt), Todd (Amberley), Amanda, Emma, Connor (Aubrey), and Tanner; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his brothers Nolan, Neil (Diane), Neldon (Teri), Nathan (Teddie), and Nyle (Jennifer). He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Martha Critchlow; his sister, Becky; and his brothers, Norman and Ned.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at 115 E Cherry Street, Grantsville, Utah. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate his life. In honor of Norris’s love of horses and the western life, the family will be dressed in western attire and invites all who attend to do the same.
Dad, we're sure you're racing around heaven right now, swapping stories with Ed — your best friend since high school and the unofficial ninth Critchlow brother.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at https://www.premierfuneral.com/obituaries
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