Statement made on 11 March 2010 by Senator Jane Cordy
Hon. Jane Cordy:
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute and reflect on the lives and careers of Joe Casey and Charlie MacArthur, two former Nova Scotia members of the Legislative Assembly who passed away this year.
Joe Casey was the MLA for Digby—Annapolis from 1970 to 1984. He took a break for health reasons in 1984 and was re-elected in 1988. He served until he retired in 1997.
Known for his humour and love of telling stories, he was a dedicated MLA who took great pride in representing and assisting his constituents. Political partisanship always took a back seat when it came to the concerns of his constituents, which were always his number one priority.
Joe Casey was a storyteller extraordinaire. When there was a political meeting where there would be a vote, Joe was often called on to be the speaker while the ballots were being counted. Someone could whisper "15 more minutes, Joe" and he would keep going with his stories for the time needed, keeping the audience entertained.
Joe Casey had a full life. He sold fish, he was in the navy, he worked as a harbour pilot in the Bay of Fundy, he operated several fish plants, he operated an hotel and cottages, he was a motivational speaker and a cruise ship raconteur and, of course, he was a politician.
Joe passed away on February 16, at the age of 91. With his love of people and laughter, he will be missed.
I wonder if he has gone through the Pearly Gates yet or if he is still keeping Saint Peter entertained with his stories.
Charlie MacArthur was a fine gentleman. He entered politics in 1970 when he was elected as the councillor for Inverness in the Municipality of Inverness County. He served as councillor and warden until he was elected as MLA in 1988. Charlie loved his community and he loved working hard for the people in his area. He retired in 1998, after serving the people of Inverness for over 28 years.
Charlie MacArthur served in the Canadian military during the Second World War and he was a strong supporter of the Legion in Inverness. He attended the Remembrance Day service each year and his last one was on November 11, 2009.
Charlie was well known for being an excellent dancer so he is probably organizing a Cape Breton ceilidh right now.
Charlie passed away on February 24 at the age of 89. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I extend my sympathies to the families and friends of Joe and Charlie.