Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Norcross

A LIFETIME OF GIVING & RENTAL REAL ESTATE: DR. AND MRS. ROBERT E. NORCROSS

Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Norcross made annual gifts to the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) for more than 3 decades, until the couple established a charitable remainder trust funded with rental real estate they owned. This transaction gave them income and will provide for their future gift to WesternU/College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.

What inspired such committed generosity? The answer is a deep appreciation and long family connection with osteopathic medicine.

The Norcross’ history with osteopathic medicine began when Robert’s father, Lee Norcross, a chiropractor, encouraged his brother, Howard, to consider pursuing a career in osteopathic medicine. “My father did a lot of good for his patients,” Robert remembers. “But he thought it would be even more fulfilling to work without limitations in medicine.”

Robert’s uncle, Howard B. Norcross, DO, became a 1936 graduate of the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Los Angeles and went on to become a nationally known osteopathic surgeon and educator. With encouragement from his father and his uncle, Robert graduated from the same school in 1951 and received his MD credential from the California College of Medicine in 1962. He practiced general surgery until his retirement in 2001.

The family tradition continued when Jim Norcross, Robert and JoAnn’s eldest son, entered the first class at the newly opened COMP, graduating in 1982. He practices in the Belmont Shore section of Long Beach. A younger son, Tim Norcross, followed in his footsteps, graduating in 2004. Tim married classmate, Gwenne Kyle, and both DOs are now practicing in Southern California.

“I grew up feeling strongly about the value of osteopathic medical treatment,” Robert Norcross said. “I have had a wonderful career, and we are pleased that our sons have carried on a profession of healing and caring.” The Norcross’ also have a married daughter, Cathy, who is a stay-at-home mother.

After retiring, Robert and his wife spent time with their three cats at their elegant home on a spectacular view lot. They enjoyed babysitting their six grandchildren, the latest born to Tim and Gwenne in December 2005.

The Norcross’ feel good knowing that the gifts they have made over the years to COMP are helping others to pursue careers in osteopathic medicine. Both came from families of modest means but were instilled with values of helping others. “We’ve seen COMP grow since its inception,” Robert said. “We are proud to be supporters of an osteopathic school that teaches excellent medical skills and instills the value of treating the whole patient.”