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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WEIMER, Norman Johann - It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow the family of Norman Weimer announce his passing on May 30, 2020. Norman was predeceased by Helen, the love of his life and wife of 75 years and will lovingly remain in the hearts of his daughter and son-in-law, Mark and Darlene MacDonald, granddaughter Brittany MacDonald and godson, Randy Fisher.
Norman was born at home in Calgary on April 24, 1924, the second oldest child of David and Katharine Weimer. Norman spent his childhood and youth working on the family farm in Delacour. When Norman was home in Calgary, he and his brother, Al, played baseball and hockey and these two brothers formed a closeness that remained throughout their adult lives.
Norman moved to Calgary to attend Grade 9 at Haultain School. When Norman decided his education was completed, he worked as a bellhop at the Alexandra Hotel, played pool for the “house” and delivered ice and groceries on his bicycle (and later drove the delivery truck) for Jenkins Groceteria.
Norman met his future wife, Helen, by chance one night through mutual friends when he was 17. He joined the Navy during World War II and was Lead Stoker aboard the Minesweeper, Transcona, based out of Halifax. Norman and Helen wanted to be together, so they were married on June 15, 1944 in Calgary allowing Helen to join Norman in Halifax.
Upon his return to Calgary, Norman drove truck for Crossland & Beale, Imperial Oil, Coast Insulation and Owens Corning Fiberglass until he retired.
Norman loved animals, working on cars, woodworking, and “tinkering” in his garage. If you needed to borrow a tool, he most likely had it. Norman worked hard all his life and had a deep devotion for his family. He was a very easy-going person and loved to visit and share stories with others. Norman loved watching hockey, baseball and football on television and was a huge Dodger, Kings and Flames fan.
He and Helen enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Mesquite always returning to Calgary each year to connect with friends and relatives.
Norman moved back to the Calgary area in 2016 to be close to his family and create more precious memories. He was a wonderful Father and absolutely loved being Brittany’s Grandfather. The family would like to thank Doctor Brian Doran for his excellent care of our Dad giving us additional time with him which we are so thankful for.
A private family graveside service will be held on June 15, which would have been Mom and Dad’s 76th Wedding Anniversary - they are together again, and their love story continues!
A Celebration of Norman and Helen’s lives will be held at a later date. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Norman’s family through Evan J. Strong Funeral Services. Arrangements in care of Evan J. Strong Funeral Services. (403) 265-1199. (The Western Wheel 17 Jun 2020)
Ships served in:
(left) Leading Stoker Norman Weimer on his wedding day 15 Jun 1944 (right) Norman Weimer at the Naval Museum of Alberta on Father's Day 17 Jun 2018
Norman recounts the sinking of HMCS CLAYOQUOT - On December 24, 1944 the Transcona was going to take its’ place in the convoy, when just outside the Halifax gates the Clayoquot was torpedoed and sunk and eight crew were lost. My dad said they couldn’t stop because that would make them an easy target so all they could do was toss life preservers into the water and they had to keep going. The Transcona set off all of their depth charges and hit the submarine - they knew they hit the sub because they could see an oil slick on the water’s surface and were credited with the sinking. The Transcona went quickly in to Halifax to get more depth charges and then returned to protect the harbour. They later figured the sub had tucked in close to the light house and that was why the sub wasn’t detected.
And a memory of eating macaroni and cheese for Christmas dinner in 1944.
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