The North American Chimney Sweep family are saddened by the passing of our 'grandfather' Norman Lenz
A wonderful man who inspired so many [but he may not have known this] with his stories and knowledge. One Canadian sweep wrote "With Norm's passing, it feels like a chapter closing, as a new one begins for we North American sweeps."
Norman began climbing up on roofs when he was 4 years old (and frightened his mum with that stunt) and grew his love of chimney sweeps and their work from that time. He began his apprenticeship with sweeping a long time ago in Germany on April 1, 1942 and many years later brought to Canada many of his ideals and thoughts to start his own business.
He swept many a chimney over the years and has stayed semi-active in the industry up until the time of his illness. He was the Canadian source for the Wohler Viper chimney cleaning system which is now cared for by his daughter Irene and her husband Andy Copp.
Like many in the sweep industry, Norman succumbed to a form of cancer after a long and well-fought battle. During his bout with cancer he broke his hip and ended up in hospital. He fought and it healed, despite the bone cancer. He was just that kind of man.
Norman was a founding member of the Ontario Chimney Sweeps Association and later became an Honorary member of the Chimney Sweeps Association of Canada in the late 90s. His goodhearted, passionate and well spoken opinions will be missed by all who knew him. I had the honour of presenting him with the "Long Time Award" at the Northeast Regional Chimney Sweeps Expo a few years back and he was quite taken aback by the honour. He did not realize that the honour was ours, to bestow this award upon him. He was a humble soul.
Norman took time a few years ago to write of his adventures and published a book in 2008 (available through lulu.com) called "Wanderschaft" Tales of a Travelling Sweep. It regales the reader of his life and hardships. A great read and inspiration to our youth of today.
I personally, will always treasure the talks we had together and how he would get so mad at the way 'his' profession was going and then smile and dismiss it as 'youth folly's' of a sort. My words, not his but he understood.
Norman spent the last of his years living in Brockville, Ontario with his wife Rita. He leaves behind his family and friends - from the world.
Norman - you will be missed.
Yvette Aube
