It is with heavy hearts that we announce Norman (Norm) Bright passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025.
Norm was born in 1947 and raised on a farm near Ardath, Saskatchewan. He worked for several years before attending the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a political science degree in 1975. He moved to Vancouver that summer. Later, career opportunities took Norm and Karen to Ottawa, where their children Daniel and Jessica were born. In 1992, the family returned to their home province of Saskatchewan (Regina), where they lived for many years. With retirement approaching, Norm and Karen decided to leave behind the cold prairie winters and return to the Vancouver area, where both of their children were already settled. In 2016, Norm and Karen moved to Maple Ridge, BC. With his easy-going nature, Norm made and kept friends everywhere he lived. He loved music, he loved his many dogs, and above all, he loved his family.
Norm was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in 2021 and received excellent, timely, and compassionate care throughout the BC health care system. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Surrey Cancer Clinic, Vancouver General Hospital, Ridge Meadows Hospital and Home Health, and the Christine Morrison Hospice. All of them eased Norm’s way and that of his family throughout this journey.
Norm will be deeply missed by his partner and wife of 48 years, Karen; son Daniel; daughter Jessica (John) and grandson Matthew; brothers Cyril and Harold; brother-in-law Cal Sarauer; sisters-in-law Myrna Wolfe and Doreen Gronning; brother-in-law Rick Gronning; and lifelong best friend Allan Reine.
He was pre-deceased by parents Leonard and Florence Bright; father- and mother-in-law Clarence and Josie Gronning; sister Joyce Sarauer; and brothers-in-law Gerry, Chris, and Brian Gronning, and Bob Wolfe.
At Norm’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation at www.rmhfoundation.com.
October 21st, 2025
Karen/Family
I am sad and sorry to learn of Norms passing — my prayers to you and family.
Please know that Norm and I shared much time and coffee at the Sask WCB
He shared his Communication ability freely— his compassion for many — a stead fast desire to be a friend , a committed and dedicated public servant
His abilty to be resolute and generous was beyond the expectation I personally had of him
He applied a conciliatory ability to many uncomfortable situations —often at a personal cost
I shall miss his friendship and wise council
September 21st, 2025
Karen, so sorry to hear about your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Veronica
September 17th, 2025
Dear Karen.. like Jay Henryk, I was scrolling thru the obits in the Regina Leader-Post and sadly, found Norm's announcement. Very surprised, and certainly felt for you immediately. To you and your family, I extend my condolences to you from Rose and I, from our Sask Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Retirees Association and from many of your old crew of co-workers back here in Regina. Take care of yourself and hopefully see you along the way sometime.
September 17th, 2025
Dear Karen, What very sad news. I have such happy memories of our times together and friendship of those golden days on the Hill. I loved your Christmas letters and at least being able to catch up on all of your lives once a year. I always think of Jessica on December 18th and I could go on and on. Norm was such a great force on the Hill, not only were his politics always on point but he managed, seemingly effortlessly to inject humour and compassion to all he did. Your message is beautiful and I am sure that Norm's keen sense of living and laughter and wise counsel in politics and all that he stood for has left a big hole in your home and lives. I am so very sorry and am sending love to you Jessica and Daniel.
September 11th, 2025
Dear Karen and Family
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. We would like to send our condolences to you and your family . All the very best.
Rhonda and Ray
September 9th, 2025
Hi Karen. I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Norm was always great with a subtle and kind sense of humor. Quick to laugh and always curious … I looked forward every year to his annual family update letter! Norm got me back into curling as only a prairie boy could! Alain Piche and I continue each Thursday at the Chelsea curling rink and we will raise a glass when the new season begins. Best regards.
September 8th, 2025
Very sorry to hear this news and many condolences to Karen and family. There was an infectious energy around Norm in his time on Parliament Hill. Sure we had lots of serious work to do, but Norm wanted to, and did build the social bonds that keep a team, a group and friends together.
September 8th, 2025
Sad news about a great guy. Met him in Ottawa as part of the Hill staff. We used to meet on Friday’s after work at the pub as part of the Windsor and later the Glue Pot group talking politics, music, Hurcomb’s Hockey Pool, and Norm’s zest for organizing softball games and teams. Witty, thoughtful and a thorough family man. Love to family. It was wonderful to share him with you.
September 7th, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Norm at WCB. He was a quiet reserved man and I loved to see him smile or hear him laugh.
September 6th, 2025
Karen/Family
I am sad and sorry to learn of Norms passing — my prayers to you and family.
Please know that Norm and I shared much time and coffee at the Sask WCB
He shared his Communication ability freely— his compassion for many — a stead fast desire to be a friend , a committed and dedicated public servant
His abilty to be resolute and generous was beyond the expectation I personally had of him
He applied a conciliatory ability to many uncomfortable situations —often at a personal cost
I shall miss his friendship and wise council
September 6th, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Norm at WCB. He was a quiet reserved man and I loved to see him smile or hear him laugh.
September 5th, 2025
Dear Karen and family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Norm's passing.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
September 5th, 2025
September 5th, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Norm was a great friend to my dad and I know he'll be missed greatly by his friends across the country. Best wishes to all of you.
September 5th, 2025
Karen: So sad to hear about Normie's passing. Such fond memories of working together on "The Hill" and the good times and laughs out on the town with You, Norm and the Ottawa NDP crew. A wonderful guy, fondly remembered!
September 5th, 2025
Karen, when you get to be my age, you scroll through the Leader Post obituaries every once in a while. You are always hoping not to see anyone that you knew. Not so fortunate this time. Sad to hear about Norm. I didn't know him very well but you liked him a bit and that is enough for me. My thoughts are with you. Take care.
September 5th, 2025
Karen, we were sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. We enjoyed having you and Norm as neighbours for many years. I still miss our over the fence chats. Hugs and prayers. Dorothy & Abe
September 4th, 2025
Dear Karen, Danny and Jessica…Dave and I send our deepest condolences to you all! Our fond memories of Norm will remain forever in our hearts. The best neighbour ever! I regret not keeping in touch, but we are always thinking of you. Sending hugs and strength at this difficult time of sadness.❤️
September 4th, 2025
Henrietta and I are saddened to hear of Norms passing. We send our deepest condolences.
September 4th, 2025
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of Norms passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult Time.
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