Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say a few words in tribute to Willard MacPhail, a well-respected farmer and community leader who recently passed away.
Willard's accomplishments are many. He served as a municipal councillor for 21 years and became the first mayor of Cornwall after the amalgamation of North River, Cornwall and Elliot River. He was a founding member of the North River fire department and remained active for 37 years.
Willard organized the P.E.I. Quality Swine Units, served as a director of the Canadian Swine Breeders Association and was chair of the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvements. As well, he served as a member of the Chicken Farmers of Canada.
However, first and foremost, Willard was a family man, devoted to his wife Kathy and their three children. While he would not want to be singled out as a role model, he certainly was that and more.
Willard's commitment and dedication is appreciated and will be greatly missed.