Statement made on 02 December 2009 by Senator George Furey
Hon. George J. Furey:
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a former member of the extended family of the Senate, a person who was dedicated to the protection and service of others, and a devoted family man, Corporal Laurent Voyer.
In September, Corporal Voyer passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
To his beloved wife, Annette, Laurent was a life partner; to his children, Sophie and Gaétan, a wonderful father; and to his petite-fille, Audrey-Anne, a doting grand-père. It is far beyond any ability I have, honourable senators, to put into words what he has meant to his family.
To his colleagues, he was Larry.
If you asked those who knew him best what made him proud, they would say first and foremost his family. They would also tell you that Larry was someone who wore many uniforms during his professional life, and always wore his heart on his sleeve.
At the age of 21, Larry joined the Canadian Forces and served his country for 14 years. During this time he wore another important uniform, the symbol of those working on the front lines for international peace, the blue beret of the peacekeepers. In this role, he was involved in overseas missions to Cyprus in 1982 and again in 1986. For Larry, these peacekeeping missions were the type of mission that he liked not only to participate in, but that he chose to participate in.
In 1993, Larry changed uniforms again, taking up his post with Senate Protective Services. His colleagues remember him as a man of few words, but they also remember him as a man devoted to his duty.
Never one for too much attention, Larry always went out of his way to see that those less fortunate were given the much-needed attention they deserved. Whether helping out with extra clothing or food, or donating to the United Way, Larry was a person conscious of the importance to share and provide assistance to others.
Honourable senators, please join me today in saluting his family and remembering Corporal Laurent Voyer, a man who, though quiet in nature, spoke loudly with his actions and his devotion to duty. He will be missed by his family and by his colleagues and friends in the Senate.