Mr. Speaker, I too rise for a few moments on behalf of my caucus to pay tribute to the memory of the late Bill Kempling. It is appropriate that today we are honouring former parliamentarians because he was one of them.
Mr. Kempling's military accomplishments and his accomplishments here in the House of Commons as parliamentary secretary and government whip have already been mentioned.
One young man, who is now working for our caucus, worked for Bill Kempling some years ago in the House. He has this memory of Bill: "The only thing he told me when he hired me was `this is hard ball we are playing here and don't forget it"'. I believe that is good advice for anybody who comes here as an MP or works on the Hill.
Bill Kempling was the Conservative whip who refused to come down the aisle, causing the famous 14-day bell ringing incident. The Table is nodding. I am sure they remember that all too well. Charles Turner, the government whip at the time, was reported to have camped out in the government lobby. He had his pillow and blanket there waiting for Bill to come to the House. He eventually did show up brandishing his whip. Those are just some really personal memories.
It was mentioned earlier that he won six elections. It is just incredible that anyone would sit in this House for that length of time.
I want to quote the Toronto Star of May 2, 1993 when Bill Kempling announced that he would not be seeking re-election. He said: ``I have so many other things in my life and I am going to do them with all the strength and vigour that I have''. He was 72 at the time.
It is one thing to run in six elections and win them but it is another thing to know when to go out gracefully. He did that in May 1993. I am sure his family members were very grateful when he retired from politics because they had two and a half years to enjoy his company. I am sure those are memories they will treasure forever.
I extend our sympathy to his family, Mrs. Muriel Kempling, her children and grandchildren. I believe she is here today in the gallery. We want to pay tribute and thank her and her family for the sacrifice they gave. God bless you.