Mr. Speaker, this last week Red Deer, Alberta and Canada lost a truly great woman. Mattie McCullough died at age 92 and her great significance to our community was recognized last Saturday.
Mattie had many accomplishments in her life. She was a recipient of the Order of Canada, a long-time champion of education, president of the Alberta Home and School Councils' Association, honorary president of the Canadian Angus Association, holder of an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Alberta, and many more. Most important was that Mattie was so humble, always willing to listen, and always providing a sharp analysis of everything political. At age 86 she even enrolled in a university class.
I first met Mattie when her Angus bull chased me and my biology class out of their pasture. From then on we became the best of friends.
Mattie was always excited about education. She mastered the computer and could not believe the new information she could get from the Internet.
Our community and Canada lost a true Canadian and we will miss Mattie McCullough.