Ric Nordman

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Rurik (Ric) Nordman (born October 18, 1919 in Cypress River, Manitoba, died July 29, 1996) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1981 to 1988, representing the riding of Assiniboia for the Progressive Conservative Party.

Nordman shared his birthday, October 18, 1919, with Pierre Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada. Nordman served in the Canadian Army from 1940 to 1945, reaching the rank of Captain. He worked as a restaurateur following the war, and eventually operated a number of successful businesses in Manitoba and California, as well was one of the founders of the St. James Canadians Jr. Hockey Club. Nordman served as the City Councillor for St. Charles Ward in Winnipeg for seven years (1974-1981) before being elected to the provincial legislature. He was also a founding member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Westwood, and a board member of the Rainbow Stage Theatre.

Nordman was elected to the Manitoba legislature in the provincial election of 1981, defeating NDP candidate Max Melnyk by over 1,000 votes. In the 1986 election, he faced Melnyk again and won by a greater margin. Nordman was generally respected by members on all sides of the house.

He was narrowly defeated by Ed Mandrake in the provincial election of 1988, ironically as the Progressive Conservatives won a minority government. He did not seek a return to politics before his death in 1996.

In 1992 Nordman was awarded the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal by Premier Gary Filmon.

Ric Nordman's oldest son, Grant Nordman, was elected as the City Councillor for St. Charles Ward on October 25, 2006, 32 years after Ric was first elected to that office.