- "
He was an ‘I'll take care of it’ kind of guy." - "Reliable."
- "Dependable."
- "Nose to the grindstone."
- "Hated to let anyone down."
- "Just gung ho to help anyone, anytime."
- "More than a boss. He was a good friend."
- "He was the best human being I've ever met at work."
- “He made an impact on me that I will carry through the rest of my life."
Most of us will never engender the kind of overwhelming love and loyalty that Norm W. Wehland, Jr. did. After a long and successful career as a self-employed “Mr. Fix-it,” Norm started the Y part of his career as a part-time Facilities Associate at the Y in Druid Hill. He was quickly promoted to a full-time Facility Director (supporting the Catonsville and Dancel Ys), eventually becoming a Regional Facilities Director overseeing property management for quite a number of Y facilities and sites.
On May 9th, 2021, at the age of 73, Norm lost his battle with cancer. His devoted family, friends, and Y colleagues (who were, in some cases, all one and the same both in reality and in spirit), lost a dear friend, a devoted father, grandfather, mentor, and co-worker.
In addition to being described as one of the steadiest and most reliable human beings anyone had ever met, Norm is also described as a "fiercely dedicated" father and grandfather. Known for always being there and always being the same, steady, genuine guy who never seemed to tire or change his demeanor, more than one co-worker described Norm as a man who seemed to never sleep. "We'd have an emergency in one of the buildings at midnight on a Saturday and Norm would inevitably respond 'I'm on it' and hop out of bed, drive to the center and fix the problem. No questions asked. No hesitation." Stories like this pour out when co-workers are asked about Norm Wehland.
Y associates who had the privilege of working with Norm all are also quick to point out that the sense of loyalty and commitment that was so evident in Norm's work was only matched by his intense, unwavering devotion to his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. Friends describe Norm as that guy who never wanted to take off work unless it involved doing something for his grandchildren, for whom he would have gone to the ends of the earth.
Knowing about Norm's character, it is not at all surprising to connect the dots from Norm to his daughter, Y associate Christie Ryan, Executive Director of Learning and Development (though, like many Y associates Christie's Y journey spans multiple aspects of Y life). Much like her dad, Christie is true blue and when Norm's health failed, Christie, just like Norm, didn't hesitate to do what was needed. She took off from work to care for the man who had so lovingly taken care of her and her family (including Christie's daughter Maggie Ryan, who also worked at the Y!)
Norm Wehland was a loving father and grandfather, a Vietnam veteran, a one-time drag racer (in fact we are told he could claim to have drag raced the nationally acclaimed Hot Rodder Ronnie Sox down Route 32 near Clarksville!), dedicated Y associate, and the picture of a man who defined quiet character. May you rest in peace, Norm. You are missed and loved by many.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland