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WILLIAM (BILL) NORRIE Obituary pic WILLIAM (BILL) NORRIE Obituary pic

WILLIAM (BILL) NORRIE

Date of Passing: Jul 06, 2012

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WILLIAM (BILL) NORRIE 1929 - 2012 It is with great sadness that the family of William (Bill) Norrie announces his death at Victoria Hospital on July 6, 2012. He is survived by his wife Helen, his son, Dr. Fraser Norrie (David Clarke) of Vancouver, his daughter-in-law Sheila Norrie of Winnipeg, and his grandchildren, Allison (Andrew Williams), Jennifer, and Cameron Norrie. He was predeceased by his son Duncan in 1992, by his son Mark in 2001, and by his sister Margaret in 2007. Bill was born in Winnipeg in 1929 and grew up in the West End of Winnipeg, graduating from Daniel Macintyre Collegiate with an Isbister Scholarship. He completed an Arts degree at United College (now University of Winnipeg) and entered the Faculty of Law. He became President of the University of Manitoba Student Union in 1952 and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1953, studying at Queen's College, Oxford, England. Following his time at Oxford, Bill returned to Winnipeg and joined the firm of Tupper and Adams after completing his law degree in 1955, the same year that he married his wife, Helen, whom he met at the University of Manitoba. In 1963 he joined former classmates Scott Wright and Charles Huband in the firm of Richardson, Taylor, Huband, Wright and Norrie where he practiced until becoming Deputy Secretary of the Law Society in 1975. In 1964 Bill began a long career in public office when he was elected a member of the Winnipeg School Board. He served for seven years until being elected to the Winnipeg City Council in 1971. In 1979 he was elected Mayor of Winnipeg, and served for 13 years, taking voluntary retirement in 1992. During his time as mayor, Bill helped negotiate the tripartite agreement to establish the Forks and the North Portage Partnership. He actively encouraged multiculturalism in the city, establishing strong ties to many ethnic groups. Following his 28 years in public office, Bill acted twice as Chairman of the United Way campaign and served as Conflict of Interest Commissioner for the Province. He was Honorary Consul General of Japan for eight years and Chancellor of the University of Manitoba from 2001 to 2009. Bill had a deep love for Winnipeg and delighted in meeting people of all ages and occupations. His door at the Mayor's office was always open and he will be missed by the many organizations that benefited from his leadership and support. Bill also had an abiding love for the Lake of the Woods where the family spent over 50 summers at home on Elephant Island. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, Nassau and Wardlaw, Winnipeg. Neil Bardal Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duncan Norrie Memorial Fund or the Mark Norrie Fund for the Assiniboine Park Zoo through the Winnipeg Foundation, 204-944-9474.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2012

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

  • I'm saddened to see this news about the passing of a great Mayor of Winnipeg. I lived in Winnipeg for 10 years and I had to chance to shake his hands when I was competing in a contest. He was such a gentle person, sincere, and kind. He was a great asset for Winnipeg during his time. Rest in Peace Nr. Norrie. - Posted by: Armie Pangilinan Gonzalez (Former Citizen of Canada) on: Jan 21, 2015

  • Mayor Norrie was a good man who served his community well. My heart goes out to Fraser, Mrs. Norrie, and other family and friends. My heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Rich North (a fellow traveler in the Heart of the Continent) on: Jul 14, 2012

  • I had the honour and privilege of serving with Bill on city council. Especially enjoyed serving with him on the board of commissioners.One of my fondest memories was our first trip to Ottawa after the new Federal Consevative government was elected.The primary purpose of our trip was a presentation on the Forks Project. I will always be grateful for his guidence and friendship. - Posted by: Gerry Ducharme (Former city councillor) on: Jul 13, 2012

  • It was always a pleasure to see Bill and Helen at Crescent F.R. United Church when they would attend with Bill's mother. My parents George and Gladys Baker always enjoyed a visit with them all. My condolences to Helen and the family, may your memories help you through this time of sorrow. My prayers are with you all. Bill will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him. He will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Mona Baker (former member of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church) on: Jul 11, 2012

  • I have fond memories of Bill when I was executive director of the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities throughout the 80s and 90s. Bill was one of the most gentle of men, a real gentleman and a wonderful mayor of our city. My deepest sympathies to Helen and the rest of the Norrie family. He will be missed and long remembered. Rochelle Zimberg - Posted by: Rochelle Zimberg (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2012

  • My sincerest condolences to Mrs Norrie and her family. It was my pleasure to have been acquainted with such a kind and gentle man. Mr Norrie touched my heart and I will miss his friendly smile as he greeted me when our paths crossed.Farewell. - Posted by: Gerri Mason (Chairman on the Board of Directors with our organization.) on: Jul 10, 2012

  • This wonderful gentleman became mayor of our beautiful city the year I was born. He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Kim () on: Jul 10, 2012

  • Our loving thoughts and prayers are with Helen and all the Norries. May the comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you always. Bill was very supportive to the different community organizations and we remembered him how he supported the Filipino community. - Posted by: Florencio 'Tony' Antonio & Letty Duque Antonio (Friends) on: Jul 10, 2012

  • Over almost 50 years my life was weirdly interwoven with this wonderful human being. I first met him at Schmockey Night (he would attend this event while Helen went to another as itv was always on a Saturday night. He would join her later!). When my career took me to the CBC Bill was there - officiating, welcoming TV and Radio personalities, Reach for the Top winners and so much more - always cheerful and genteel. When my career shifted once again to ad man, I was privileged to help in his election campaigns - which never seemed much of a challenge as he covered the ground so well. Bill was loved, respected and honored with good reason. He earned it! After vacating the office I kept in touch with "Mayor Bill" through our mutual association with the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, as he was Consul and then Honourary Board Member. In all that time I saw the tremendous respect people had for him first-hand. Bill you will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Jake Marks (Admirer) on: Jul 10, 2012

  • From Scottish heritage - to the West End - to St Paul's United Church - to Daniel McIntyre Collegiate - to United College - to Winnipeg City Council. One small journey with Bill - amongst a multiplicity of them. Well done Sir William - well done indeed! - Posted by: George Marshall (Winnipeg City Council Alumnus) on: Jul 10, 2012

  • It was my honour and privilege to serve with Bill for 12 years on City Council. Bill was passionate about Winnipeg and thoroughly relished his job as Mayor. He was a real people person who made anyone meeting him feel immediately at ease. Winnipeg is a better City because of Bill's leadership. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Jae Eadie (former City Councillor) on: Jul 09, 2012

  • I was most fortunate to have worked in the Mayor's Office in 1983 with Mayor Norrie being my "boss". Mayor Norrie was always pleasant and kind. He made time for all from the Chief of Police to the clerks in his office. He treated all who came his way with respect and kindness. Bless you Mayor Norrie and my sympathies to his family and friends. - Posted by: Kim Hansen (former employee City of Winnipeg Mayor's Office) on: Jul 09, 2012

  • Bill Norrie served our city with grace, dignity and vision! I had the honour and priviledge of working with Bill during his last six years as Mayor and gratefully, I have many fond personal memories of him. Thank you again Mayor Norrie for your dedication and commitment to the citizens of Winnipeg. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Helen and family at this very sad time. - Posted by: Shirley Timm-Rudolph (friend & former City Councillor ) on: Jul 08, 2012

  • On behalf of my father, Bill Atkinson, and my family, we etend our heartfelt condolences to Helen and the family. We last saw Bill with Helen at John Standing's piano rectal and had a really nice chat with him. Helen - your beloved Bill is at peace now and has been reunited with Duncan and Mark. Heartfelt condolences, Coralie & Bill Atkinson - Posted by: Coralie (Atkinson) Bornais (family friend) on: Jul 08, 2012

  • Bill Norrie was an exemplary person, and good in every way. Condolences to Helen and son Fraser. - Posted by: Jane and Ken Regier (friends) on: Jul 07, 2012

  • Well done, faithful Citizen! Condolences to Mrs. Norrie, children and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Julia Van De Spiegle - Posted by: Julia Van De Spiegle (Our Beloved Mayor and friend of the citizens of Winnipeg) on: Jul 07, 2012

  • Sincere sympathy to Helen and family at the loss of not only a genuinely dedicated politician, but also a great humanitarian. Fond memories will remain always. Beryl Paintin - Posted by: Beryl Paintin ((friend and former community work associate).) on: Jul 07, 2012

  • My heart-felt condolences go to Helen and family members. My friendship with Bill and Helen through the monthly meetings of the Consular Corps of Winnipeg while Bill was the Consul for Japan was very much valued. May the "God of all comfort" be with you now and always. - Posted by: Carmen Nembhardt (Co-Member of the Consular Corps of Winnipeg) on: Jul 07, 2012

  • My thoughts are with all the Norries and extended family on the passing of Bill. I remember fondly the visits two doors down to pet baby rabbits, play with dogs, visit and our friendly conversations in the neighbourhood. Whenever we met, Bill and Helen were both extremely kind and good neighbours on Waverley. I also appreciate Bill's dedication to the City of Winnipeg and to other volunteer activities. My prayers are with you. his - Posted by: colleen watters (friend and former neighbour) on: Jul 07, 2012

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