Mr. Speaker, I rise in memory of the late Delphine Patricia Collins, my friend and the wife of our former colleague, Bernie Collins.
Del was born in September 1936 in Regina. She met Bernie in high school and on July 30, 1955, they were married. Bernie and Del raised eight children, all of whom became an important part of Estevan, Saskatchewan.
Del was heavily involved in her local church community. She was also a member and chairperson of the local public library board, the regional representative of the board and an active member of the Estevan branch of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living. Aside from this, Delphine worked hard within the Liberal Party. She was, among other things, president of the Saskatchewan Women's Liberal Commission, co-chair for the Prime Minister's leadership campaign and a key figure in her husband's campaigns.
I would say that although Delphine was a very active individual her most significant contribution to the world was that despite all the difficulties her failing health caused, she managed to remain compassionate, caring and patient. She valued her friends and family, and they valued her with equal vigour.
I would ask hon. members to join with me in expressing our sincere condolences to the family and many friends of the late Delphine Collins.