Mr. Speaker, on September 30, 1999 the life of 34 year old, senior OPP Constable Charles Mercier was taken in a tragic highway accident while he sat in his cruiser in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Anyone who knew the 13 year OPP veteran knew that he was a kind and gentle man, with a good sense of humour and keen negotiating skills.
But Chuck Mercier was not just a police officer. First and foremost, he was a loving husband to his wife, Joyce Pavelich, a dedicated father to his children Michelle and Nicholas, a loyal son to his mother Hélène, and late father Clermont, and a good friend to his brothers Pierre and Paul.
To the Pavelich, Mercier and OPP families, I would like to express my deepest sympathies. During this time of unspeakable grief and sorrow, may they take comfort in their memories of an honourable man who chose an honourable profession. He will never be forgotten.