Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Reform Party I rise to give our condolences and our sympathy to the Harding family in the loss of its husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
I did not know Mr. Harding personally but I was able to get some newspaper clippings and talk to some people who did know him well.
Mr. Harding served his community by spending over 30 years as a member of the Silverton municipal council. He served the province of B.C. as an MLA, first elected in 1945 and re-elected in 1949, 1952, 1953, 1956, 1960, 1963 and 1966.
He served his country in the Canadian army during the second world war and served further as a member of Parliament, winning the seat of Kootenay West in 1968 and 1972.
If I could quote a few of the tributes given to him from council recently when he retired as mayor last year. The mayor of New Denver said he was a great mentor in politics. George Cady, the chairman for the regional district of central Kootenay, said he set an example that was hard to follow. Bill King, former NDP cabinet minister and now B.C. hydro director, said everyone spoke of his high integrity.
These kinds of tributes seem to go on and on and fill pages in the local papers.
Obviously this man served the country and his community with pride. His family members can proud of his accomplishments in life but I know they will be sorrowful today.
I extend our sympathies to his wife of 47 years, Francis, their sons, their ten grandchildren and their five great grandchildren who I am sure grieve his loss today.