Statement made on 25 November 2008 by Senator Joyce Fairbairn
Hon. Joyce Fairbairn:
Honourable senators, it is with a combination of great sadness and pride that I speak today in memory of a long-time friend and vigorous member of this chamber. Ray Perrault passed away last weekend after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Many of us in this chamber had the privilege of working with this outstanding Canadian, who, with great pride, carried the flag for British Columbia throughout this country in an endless effort to put his province on the national stage. He was an awesome and lively speaker with a voice that shattered glass as it taught all of us about the strength and beauty of his far-off home province.
During his 43 years in public life, he led the charge of the Liberal Party in British Columbia and in Ottawa. He was elected to the House of Commons in 1968 as the member for Burnaby—Seymour. Ray won the election by overcoming the outstanding legend Tommy Douglas by 152 votes, earning the nickname "Landslide Ray."
Prime Minister Trudeau returned Ray to Parliament Hill by appointing him to the Senate, where he served as both the Leader of the Government in the Senate and, later, Leader of the Opposition. In 1982, he became Minister of State for Fitness and Amateur Sport. Throughout those years, Ray and his wonderful wife Barbara became very good friends of mine. Indeed, I had the pleasure of being his seatmate in this chamber, where, between debates, we shared endless stories of our beloved dogs, our love of baseball and our Liberal efforts in the two tough provinces of B.C. and Alberta.
We have lost a wonderful Canadian — a man of wisdom, kindness and laughter and with a great love for his province and his country. He was truly one of a kind, and his memory will live on forever.