Obituary of Wes Norheim
The recording of the service is available below the obituary
Erling Wesley Norheim passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Wes was born on October 5, 1940, in Tubroise, Saskatchewan and raised in the hamlet White Bear. After graduating from Luther College in 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Nunweiler. They spent their lives together in Regina where they raised three children, Carla (John Mikoliunas), Colin (Linda Norheim) and Crystal (Craig Semple). Over the years, their family grew with the addition of three granddaughters, Cara Mikoliunas, Chanda Semple and Carissa Semple.
He was a devoted union leader who dedicated his life to the betterment of his fellow workers and Union members. He was always a strong and passionate advocate for those men and women whom he represented. His extensive career spanned over four decades.
At the age of 18, Wes began working as a kiln operator, with Western Clay in Regina and became involved in his union local of the United Glass and Ceramic Workers of America, holding the offices of vice-president and president. In 1964, he was hired by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), as a general representative and in the 1970s became CLC regional director for the prairies and the Northwest Territories. He later served as a labour representative on two Workers' Compensation Board committees of review and was a labour representative on the minimum wage board. In 1993, he was appointed the labour representative on the Workers' Compensation Board, retiring from this position in 1998.
Wes was a long-time activist in the peace movement and served as an executive member of the Regina Community Clinic. In retirement, he worked to build the Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees and later became its first president. He also personally supported many worthwhile causes including canvassing for the Canadian Kidney Foundation, Saskatchewan Epilepsy, Tommy Douglas’ CCF and later, the New Democratic Party.
In his spare time, Wes enjoyed hunting, landscaping, woodworking, boating and socializing with family and friends at home and at the cottage at Grandview Beach. He could always be counted on to lend a helping hand while sharing a funny story or humming a tune. He enjoyed listening to music, dancing with his sweetheart and playing cards.
Predeceased by his parents Julia and Erling Norheim, Wes is survived by his loving wife Linda Norheim; children, Carla Norheim (John Mikoliunas), Erling Colin Norheim (Linda), and Crystal Semple (Craig); and granddaughters, Cara Mikoliunas, Chanda Semple and Carissa Semple.
A celebration of his life will be held later this year. Details will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Union of Retirees Federation (SURF) Education Fund, 112 - 2001 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK S4P 3X9, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc., 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1, or the Regina Community Clinic, 1106 Winnipeg Street, Regina, SK, S4R 1J6.
