Mr. Speaker, Bob Thompson was a most influential political force in the House during the 1960s, but that is not where his political influence started or stopped.
His involvement as a political science professor at Trinity-Western University, the very university he was a founder of, has influenced many a student to change this country for the better. The deputy leader of today's Reform Party, my colleague from Edmonton North, was indeed one of the people influenced by Bob Thompson.
Very few people have influenced our nation in so many ways as Bob Thompson has. How was it possible for one person to be an officer during the Second World War, a federal member of Parliament, the organizer of Ethiopia's boy scout group, a school principal, a deputy minister of education, a leader of a federal political party, chairman of the board of governors of a university, founder of a school for dyslexic children in my riding, an author, and on and on and on his influence goes.
Yet, through all of that, he devoted much of his time to his family, his friends, his community. His influence on me was significant. Bob often shared his vast experiences with me even when I was a rookie candidate. He advised me, he informed me when I was on the wrong path and as recently as a couple of months ago, he summoned me to discuss my position and responsibilities as opposition house leader and how to deal with the complexities of the unity issue.
I was proud to be asked to speak with him. He was a sincere, knowledgeable and wise visionary. Bob Thompson's family, friends, community, church and country will miss him dearly and I send my sincere condolences to all of them. As for me, I shall miss the greatest political mentor of my life.
Thank you, Bob Thompson.