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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014
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Richmond loses a true original Community mourns passing of noted anti-smoking crusader and philanthropist Norman Wrigglesworth by Martin van den Hemel and Don Fennell Staff Reporters In his most recent stay at Richmond Hospital, Norman Wrigglesworth kept his cycling helmet on, despite knowing he was unable to ride his bike again. Best known as an anti-smoking crusader, Wrigglesworth passed away Friday peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88. “All day long, he walked around the facility with his helmet on,” said John O’Sullivan, a friend of 25 years. “He was a different breed.” Wrigglesworth, known as a frugal man who decried examples of waste whereever he went, from at city hall to the local fire department stations who kept their lights on at night, spent the last part of his life issuing cheques to charity, each worth tens of thousands of dollars. He was also an enthusiastic cyclist. A carpenter who helped build the George Massey Tunnel, Wrigglesworth became known locally for his anti-smoking crusade that saw him put a massive sign on the roof of his No. 1 Road home. He boasted it was the world’s largest antismoking sign. “He was a challenge. Anybody who met him would understand that,” said O’Sullivan, who got to know Wrigglesworth at Toastmasters meetings in the late 1980s. Wrigglesworth, who was predeceased by his wife Shirley in 1997, first joined the military at the age of 17, joining the navy. He left the bulk of estate to the Richmond Hospital Foundation, B.C. Children’s Hospital, B.C. Women’s Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institute for the Blind. O’Sullivan said that Wrigglesworth “died on his own terms.” He apparently was supposed to eat and drink certain foods, but insisted he on eating and drinking what he wanted. Wrigglesworth lost both his parents in his youth. His mom passed away when he was just three years old, and his dad died while he in was still in elementary school. Later in life, one of Wrigglesworth’s greatest pleasures was traveling on cruise ships, and he frequently invited friends to do so as well. He often regaled stories with friends of his many voyages. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie was deeply saddened to hear of Wrigglesworth’s passing. “Norman was a passionate man who cared for the community,” Brodie said. “He was very vocal about certain, impor-
Don Fennell file photo Norman Wrigglesworth, a philanthropist, anti-smoking crusader and veteran, died on Friday. He was 88.
tant issues—the most prominent of which was smoking. He stressed the importance of a no-smoking campaign decades before anyone else really came on board.” Brodie also remembers Wrigglesworth speaking up at the annual Richmond Savings Credit Union meetings, making it a point to query about the goings-on. “He was always unafraid to tackle big and social issues,” said Brodie. “When he cared about an issue, he was passionate about it.” Brodie said he last saw Wrigglesworth about a month or two ago and didn’t realize he was in declining health. “I regret to hear of Norman’s passing. He was a pillar in our community and we shall miss him. Our condolences to his family and friends.” Wrigglesworth was a frequent writer of letters to the editor. Among his topics in recent years were the need for more public washrooms in Richmond, a plea to stop fireworks on Halloween and the need to put up no-smoking signs at transit stations.
Last year, Wrigglesworth made a significant donation to Richmond Hospital, and an afternoon tea was held to recognize his contribution and share some time with the popular Richmondite who became a well-known community activist—particularly against smoking. He and his late wife Shirley were recognized by the Richmond Hospital Foundation. “I was working away in my office one day and heard this voice out in the lobby,” recalled president and chief executive officer Natalie Meixner. “Here was this tall, distinguished gentleman wearing his medals saying ‘I want to speak to the woman in charge.’ Norman had a list of recommendations and questions (about the hospital).” “Thank you, Norman, for being bold enough to ask questions because it’s what helps make us all better,” Meixner said last year at the tea. “Norman has (also) been a champion for not smoking for a long time and you’ve seen changes in our society (toward that) because of people like Norman.”
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