Mr. Speaker, last Sunday Dr. Reverend Richard Ditzel Jones, chaplain emeritus of the Toronto Police Association, passed away at the age of 94. A respected member of our community, Reverend Jones was a founding member of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews.
He was also a master fundraiser for a host of charities and will be forever remembered as a close personal confidant to countless members of our police force. Among his friends could be counted former prime ministers St. Laurent, Diefenbaker and Pearson, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King.
He was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1972 for his work in fostering better relations among Canadians of different backgrounds. Reverend Jones enriched our community in many ways. We were indeed blessed to have had a person like Reverend Jones provide such a stellar example of dedication, caring and commitment.
While he will be truly missed his good works will continue to live on in all of us who knew him well. I know all members of the House join me in extending our sincere condolences to the family of Reverend Jones and his countless friends.