A long-standing Wokingham Borough Councillor has died.
A spokesperson for the Wokingham Conservative group told Wokingham Today: “It is with great sadness that we announce the sad passing of Norman Jorgensen following a battle with cancer.
“Originally from Scotland, he lived in Earley since 1984.
“Norman was a longstanding Conservative councillor in Wokingham Borough.
“He represented the Maiden Erlegh ward on Wokingham Borough Council across multiple terms since 2007, and was most recently re-elected to represent the newly formed Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates ward in 2024.
“Additionally, he had served as a town councillor since the 1980’s, most recently representing Redhatch Ward on Earley town council.
“Away from politics, he was a surface scientist with a PhD in chemistry. He undertook a postdoc at Oxford University, working on semiconductor design and the development of Lithium-Ion batteries.
“He worked for multiple science research companies including as a programme manager on the decommissioning of the Fukushima reactor.
Guy Grandison, chairman of Earley and Woodley Conservatives, told Wokingham Today: “Norman was widely respected across the political divide.
“He will be remembered for his level-headed calm approach to problems, his kindness and commitment to the Borough and Earley, and his dry sense of humour.
“Despite being ill he was helping residents until almost the end.
“I know that everyone is deeply affected by the news of Norman’s passing.
“He was always responsive, professional, kind, and helpful in his dealings with officers, fellow councillors, and residents.
“His colleagues across the wider Conservative group feel especially saddened. They have lost a dear friend as well as a highly valued colleague.
“But those we think about most are his family.
“On behalf of all his friends and colleagues, I send our deepest condolences to Norman’s wife Pauline, his son David, his grandson Finn, and the entire family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
During his tenure, Norman held leadership roles, including Mayor and Leader of Earley Town Council, and membership of the Executive at Wokingham Borough Council.
“As executive member for children’s services, he oversaw the opening of a new science block at Maiden Erlegh School, and as executive member for environment, sport and leisure, he introduced food waste collections and a wide range of plastic recycling.
“Norman initiated the project to build the new Bulmershe Leusure Centre, and remained involved with the project throughout.
“He was also a director of the Wokingham Borough Council housing holding company, and guided the development of Gorse Ride and Phoenix Crescent.
Stephen Conway, the leader of Wokingham borough council, said: “‘I send my heartfelt condolences to Pauline and her family for their loss.
“Norman was a good councillor who was always worth listening to.
“We may have held very different political views but I respected and admired him, and he is a sad loss to the council as well as to his family and friends.’
Wokingham’s Labour group leader, councillor Rachel Burgess said: “We were so sorry to hear the news of Norman Jorgensen’s passing.
“He served our borough for many, many years in his role as a councillor, and through serving on the executive.
“We are all grateful for his dedicated service.
“On behalf of Wokingham Labour, I would like to send our sincere condolences to his wife Pauline and her family.”
Wokingham MP Clive Jones also paid tribute to Norman.
He said: “Norman served his community to the best of his ability, being both a town councillor and borough councillor in Earley, initially for Hillside ward and latterly for the Maiden Erlegh ward.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time in their lives.”
