To mark the anniversary of his birth the BBC has commissioned a series of articles about his life. Here, two people who worked alongside him recall their memories of him.

The articles are here.

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18541715

Sometimes the right talent meets the right song.

Just because

Just let this happen and enjoy the trip

And in announcing his candidacy this week, Lynch wasted little time in outlining what he believes are the differences between himself and Mayor Richard Stewart, who he said lacks leadership and has been unable to unite council. He said the mayor appears to put more of a priority on making public appearances than doing city business.

“I can only speak of the times we have had meetings that he hasn’t made because he has a public appearance,” he said. “There have also been many times that one of the councillors, usually the acting mayor, has been required to chair meetings because of his reluctance or perhaps inability to do so.”

Personally, I’d like to thank Mr Lynch for being so up front in his comments regarding Mayor Stewart’s ability to perform his duties as Mayor of Coquitlam. Right out of the gate Mr Lynch, did not speak to any of the concerns of Coquitlam residents, like transit or homelessness; Mr Lynch instead expressed his thoughts in regards to people with disabilities. He attacked Mayor Stewart, not over some political point or local policy, but because Mayor Stewart lives with a back injury that prevents him from sitting for any length of time. Mr Lynch engaged in bigoted mudslinging. This man wants to be Mayor of Coquitlam.

Coquitlam is one of the most diverse places I’ve ever lived in, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the planet. Many call Coquitlam home, this is one of the great things about Coquitlam. It’s a diversity that should be embraced and celebrated. The diversity includes people with disabilities. Fortunately for many of us, Coquitlam is an extremely disability friendly city, this is in no small measure because of people like Mayor Stewart who understand, in a very real way, life with a disability, every day.

Coquitlam needs to continue to move forward, to become even more inviting to all people, of all abilities. Attacking people because of their disabilities, has no place in an election. Are we a civilized people or do we fall victim to those who would diminish all of us by giving voice to knee jerk prejudice, instead of focusing on things that an election should actually be about?

It was a great evening all around.  Thanks Elaine, for telling me about this event.

Camping has probably made a pile of money from this.  It will be interesting to see how much of that money he gives back.   Yeah I know…  just like the rapture, that won’t happen either.

It’s Tuesday May 17 2011  11:44 AM

I found out about an hour ago that a long time friend, died in his sleep over night.  At least he went peacefully, and he deserved some peace.  The last ten years have been hard on Normand, he had a list of health problems that cropped up.  Even so, he kept plugging away..finding ways to stay busy and working on computers.  We had spent many hours talking about Linux, and just joking around too..

My concern now is for Darlene, his wife..  she has a number of health troubles too, and I always saw Norm as her rock.  I hope she has lots of people to lean on and check on her every day..    She and Norm are on the other side of Canada from me.  I can’t just pop in.

Damn!  Damn!!  I miss my friend..

Addendum:

I was thinking, tonight I’ll have a beer or two in honour of Norm.  Norm was in A A since before we met.  But I think Norn’s off centre sense of humour would appreciate the irony.

First Meal

The first meal with family in quite a while.  Pictured are Dad and Jim, Nolan and myself.  More to come soon. Caitlyn took the pictures.  Thanks much.

The next day, Thursday, we just stayed home and practiced being lazy.  Friday will be more active, with more pictures.

See you soon