Norman ‘Normie’ Lim Kwong: 1929 – 2016

Remembering Normie Kwong Alberta is mourning the loss of a legend on the gridiron and in the boardroom. Ina Sidhu reports

Family of Norman ‘Normie’ Lim Kwong confirms the CFL great who served as Alberta’s 16^th Lieutenant Governor passed away Saturday morning in his sleep.

Kwong was 86 years old.

In a statement issued by the provincial government, the Kwong family addressed the contributions of their patriarch.

“Our father was a great man who accomplished so much in his lifetime. A genuine family man, he also had tremendous success as a professional athlete, team owner, business executive and government official. Throughout his varied life he touched so many people with his humility, intellect, dignity, unforgettable wit and sense of humour. His unique ability to connect at multiple levels with all types of people is something few people possess."

“We will all miss him dearly, but will rely on the countless beautiful memories we have of him as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and uncle. While it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye, we are comforted in knowing that he had a most blessed and fulfilled life and that our love for, and memory of, him will remain with us forever."

Kwong was born in Calgary in 1929 and went on to become the first Canadian of Chinese descent to play in the Canadian Football League. The hallback/fullback spent his first three seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, including the 1948 Grey Cup champions, before heading north to join the Edmonton Eskimos. During his time in Edmonton, Kwong flourished leading the team to three championships while being named a CFL 'All-Canadian' five times and selected as Canada's Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year in 1955.

Post-football, Kwong's relationship with his wife Mary Lee produced four sons and he began successful stints as a stockbroker and commercial realtor. Kwong rose through the ranks to become vice-president and general manager of Torode Realty.

Kwong was one of the original owners of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club in 1980.

In 2005, at the age if 75, Kwong was appointed Alberta's 16th Lieutenant Governor a position he held until 2012.

“Mr. Kwong was proud to be the son of Chinese immigrants," said Premier Rachel Notley in a statement released Saturday afternoon.. "He was an Alberta success story from an early age. From his storied career in the Canadian Football League to his later co-ownership of the Calgary Flames, he was a champion on the field of play and in life."

“The Honourable Norman Kwong was a person of exceptional character and extraordinary accomplishment, a great Albertan and a great Canadian. We will miss him."

Details regarding Kwong's memorial service have not been finalized.