Mr. Speaker, for half a century, John Holtby lived and breathed parliamentary democracy. He began as first clerk assistant at Queen's Park and served at the table in the B.C. Legislature. Here on Parliament Hill, he was chief of staff to the McGrath committee and served as an adviser to prime ministers, House leaders, senators and whips. To new MPs, he was always there with a kind word of advice, a mischievous idea and, when needed, a gentle word of caution. In the House, he is recognized as an authority, as the editor of Beauchesne's Parliamentary Rules and Forms, sixth edition.
John was fond of the classic words of The Pilgrim's Progress. If I could be so bold as to turn around those words, I will say, “So he passed over, and all the division bells rang to greet him on the other side.”
May my dear friend rest well.