We've lost a few good people this week, haven't we? Ed McMann, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mayes, and for us in Canada, The Right Honourable Romeo LeBlanc.
M. LeBlanc was our twenty-fifth Govenor General. To those who don't live in Canada, this position is the highest rank in Canada, the Queen's Representative, and the only person who can dissolve Parliament, sign bills into law, and represent our Queen and our country.
He was a well loved man, someone who opened the doors of his official residence in our capital city of Ottawa, to allow the public in. He pushed for Aboriginal Day, and was called The Friend of Fishermen for his work in the fisheries industy.
Like those famous Americans who have passed away this week, M. LeBlanc will be remembered for all the good things he did. Here is more info on him.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/06/24/nb-romeo-leblanc-obit-123.html
Some of these deaths this past week are sudden, but some are not. M. LeBlanc was not a young man, and had health issues. But it doesn't make his passing any easier.
To all those who have lost someone special this week, I keep you in my prayers.
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4 comments:
Hey Barbara, I didn't get a chance to meet Mr Leblanc, but I did meet his predecessor, John Hnatyshyn. It was back in the early 90's when hubby and I were in the Canadian Armed Forces. We only had a couple months before being posted out west to Alberta. I heard a radio report that the grounds to Rideau Hall, the Governor General's residence, were being opened for a garden party. I was determined to attend. As members of the military, we were told to wear our uniforms if we went. But I didn't want to go in my dress uniform. The weather was forecasting a hot, muggy day, and I had my 2 yr old daughter to push around in a stroller. I wanted it to be a family outing so I dressed in civvies (civilian clothing). We had a lovely day and had a chance to shake Mr. Hnatyshyn and his wife's hands. It was one of the highlights of my 5 yrs working in the capital city. If there was a downside to the experience, it was that I kept looking over my shoulder to see if anyone recognized me and I went back to work expecting a slap on the wrist at the minimum. It was the only time I disobeyed a direct order.
Sometimes when numerous famous people die over the course of time, it's hard to remember exactly who died when. But when they die in a group like this, it's hard to forget.
I guess the only thing we can do is pray their hearts were right with God before they passed and then ask for comfort for their families.
Barbara,
I went and read the obit. What a fascinating man. In your post, you said he [the post he held] could dissolve parliment... that stopped me. I'm not sure I've ever heard the term before. Does that mean the Govenor General can fire parliment.
Anita, I loved your post, too. Sounds very daring to be in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Anita, great story! Thank you. I have got close to a couple of them, because yes, I was in the military too. (We'll have to reminesce sometimes, see if our paths crossed!)
Isn't it crazy that we're scared to death of disobeying a small order. Yet, some do it without blinking an eye?
Pamela, yes, our GG can kick out the government. Recently there was talk of a non-confidence vote and we half expected our present GG to end parliament to force an election. I guess disslove is a nicer term to use instead of firing them.
But in Australia in the 70's the GG there kicked out the labour party because they were driving the country into bankruptcy. Can you imagine that nowadays?
Oh, I forgot to add that M. LeBlanc's funeral is just up the road nearbyin Memramcook, NB, on Friday, and friends of ours are attending their daughter's wedding there on Sat. Sounds okay, but the whole village is shut down for the state funeral and they can't get in even to rehearse the wedding.
And on another sad note, Carl Malden died. I had no idea he was 97, as I always thought he was much younger.
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