Family and friends remember former mayor Bill Norrie

Former mayor Bill Norrie presents a plaque at the University of Manitoba in 2010. Norrie passed away on July 6, 2012. (file image)

City hall lowered its flags Friday in honour of a man who spent 28 years serving the City of Winnipeg.

Former Winnipeg mayor Bill Norrie passed away early Friday morning at age 83. He died of respiratory failure.

Now family members, citizens and politicians around the city are remembering the man who spent 13 years at the helm of the River City.

“He loved his job and that made it nice because he loved meeting people. He liked doing things for people,” said Helen Norrie, Bill’s wife of 57 years.

Bill’s legacy is evidenced across Winnipeg, from the creation of the city’s iconic meeting place – The Forks – to his enduring presence at the University of Manitoba, where a campus walkway was dedicated to him and his wife.

“He would probably say his biggest accomplishment was establishing The Forks because that was something he worked on for many years,” said Helen.

Bill brought his passion for the city home with him, his family said.

“We’d have fascinating dinner time conversations about this and that – political situations or challenges or a dilemma in the city,” said Fraser, Bill’s son.

Bill’s colleagues said he infused city hall with a cool, calm approach for the 13 years he spent as mayor from 1979 to 1992.

During the threat of a police strike Bill favoured talking through the dispute, telling the media, “The arbitration route is a much more civilized way of settling a dispute.”

Bill also brought with him a desire to have a long-lasting impact on the city, and spearheaded The Core Initiative – a program to help revitalize Main Street and the downtown area.

“Bill was a great man – he was an awesome mayor,” said current Mayor Sam Katz. Katz said Bill’s four election victories were evidence of how well-liked he was.

Premier Greg Selinger, who worked with Bill from 1989 to 1992 as a city councilor and later as part of his cabinet, said the respect Bill received was well earned.

“Bill gave extra time to people. He was notorious for letting meetings with the public go on longer than the time allowed,” said Selinger. “He was very kind that way.”

A book of condolence has been set up at city hall at 510 Main St. for the public to sign. There is also an online book of condolence that will later be put up on the City of Winnipeg's website. You can sign the online book of condolence here.

-- with a report from CTV’s Jeff Keele

Premier Greg Selinger released a statement on Norrie's passing Friday afternoon. Below is his statement, in its entirety.

Statement by Premier Greg Selinger on the Passing of Bill Norrie

Winnipeg and Manitoba have lost a gifted leader of generous spirit with the passing of Bill Norrie, who did so much for the city and province he loved.

I was honoured to serve on Winnipeg city council with Bill. I'll always remember the way he fully embraced the growing diversity of our city through his tireless efforts to connect with Winnipeggers of all cultural backgrounds.

I will also remember him as an early champion of downtown revitalization efforts. The process started in earnest under his leadership with the Core Area Initiative and has blossomed into something all Manitobans can be proud of. 

It was a sign of the widespread respect for his integrity that Bill served as Manitoba's conflict of interest commissioner from 2002 to 2009. A Rhodes Scholar, I know Bill also delighted in his role as chancellor of the University of Manitoba because it exposed him to the bright young minds of our province.

On behalf of all Manitobans, I extend my deepest condolences to Helen and all the family and friends Bill leaves behind.