Norman’s Story

Norman Beirnes has a witty and very kibitzing sense of humour. Humour is the medicine that has supported him to his 91st year.

Norm grew up in Asquith, Saskatchewan. He married the love of his life, Joan, in 1956 and worked for CN Railway, but decided to take night classes in math to keep his mind sharp. Norm graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus with a Masters in 1969. He taught for 26 years as an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Regina, while Joan continued her successful career with CIBC in human resources for 35 years.

Norm makes no bones about why he became a philanthropist. Joan, Norm’s beloved wife of 53 years, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2004. The treatments and care that she received from the Allan Blair Cancer Centre extended her quality of life for five-and-a-half years.

Joan’s passing in 2010 changed Norm’s life profoundly, and his gratitude for Joan’s care has been a major catalyst for Norm’s philanthropy. His generosity shines through his favourite way to donate, a gift-in-kind of securities in memory of Joan, which offers great capital gains tax relief as well.

But Norm’s generosity doesn’t stop there as he is very familiar with the final taxes his estate will incur on his stock portfolio. He has left a bequest in his Will to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan that will be his ultimate legacy for both Joan and himself.

Norm’s story was featured in Your 2021-2022 Donor Report alongside other inspiring stories of generosity. Read the Report here: https://cancerfoundationsask.ca/who-we-are/annualreports/