Norman Weiss, a well known Fort MacMurray legend, passed away on June 2, 2015. Weiss was known as a tireless champion for the Fort MacMurray area, serving as an MLA from 1979 to 1993, and as a business man in the community who always seemed to have plenty of energy for things that he believed in. Weiss was known for helping the region during the period of rapid development and it was always clear that he believed in the people and the area without reservation. Carol Weiss talked about her husband, saying “Well they used to joke about him. Because he used to say ‘Gee it’s a sad day if […] some of the MLAs in farm communities don’t ask for something.’ And at the same time these same farmers said, well Norm it’s a sad day if you’re not asking for something for McMurray too. So he was well known for that.”
The Fort MacMurray community lost an ardent supporter when Norman Weiss passed away, and many residents still remember him as a beloved businessman and a politician who actually cared about his local community. Carol Weiss remembered her husband’s passion for Fort MacMurray and helping his community. “He loved to help people. If there was an underdog in the area, he definitely would find them. Life was never dull with him, that’s for sure. He should have been a buyer for the government. He would have saved them millions, because he loved to look for bargains.” Brian Jean also remembered Norman Weiss fondly, saying “He made it possible that I could practice law, and because of him my career has unfolded as it has. He was a great man, and should be remembered as a great man.”