Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of an extraordinary human being, Gordon Bean, a tremendous public servant for 30 years and someone with whom I had the privilege to serve.
Gord left us far too soon, but not before teaching those whose lives he touched what it means to love, serve and be a friend.
Gord lit up every room he entered and was the friend that everyone only dreamed of having. He was the most selfless person I ever met. Even during his last two months, there was never a thought for himself, only worries about those whom he would leave behind. Gord lived his life to make life better for others, and he did.
To Gord's devoted life partner, Craig Richardson, Gord's father, siblings and their families, Shelley Dooher and her family, I thank them all for sharing him. Let us all take time to be kind and do something for a friend or a stranger to honour Gordon Bean.