Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to talk today about a man I've known most of my adult life, Mr. Tony Whitford. Perhaps he knew all along that a young Fort Smith young man would one day, who was riding the barges in the 50s, would become our Commissioner. Tony's inspirational story could simply be anyone's story or tale in this building. It's a story of perseverance and kindness. Tony's story, or even in some ways his chronicles, could easily be tucked away in a Mark Twain account about a life full of adventure.
Mr. Speaker, Members could imagine, just for a second, if they could pause their busy lives and close their eyes and open our minds and embrace a magical tale, I could hear the journalling of Mark Twain right now, his legendary accounts would probably sound something like this. And then there was poor Hawkin Tom rafting down the Mighty Mackenzie, and Tony was piloting them and telling them stories along the way. Little did they know their journey was just about to begin. Tony was full of life, interesting stories, and an endless capacity of bad dad jokes. Not to mention, Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of seeing many of his pencil sketches and being given crafted birdhouses. He was the everyday man. But at the same time, Mr. Speaker, he was a giant of kindness who always had time for you. When Tony would call, he would check into you. He genuinely wanted you to know he wanted the best from you. He raised your spirits, even just with a simple word or two, and I am grateful for those many occasions. I would always smile, Mr. Speaker, when I'd often hear that familiar greeting and I'd hear someone bellow out, how's the Hawk today he would say to me. He was -- you know, he was in his own way a perfect friend for all of us. Tony was my friend, Mr. Speaker, and I was grateful to be his friend. He was such a special person. That's why in 2015, I requested the government name the new government building, which was unnamed at the time, the Whitford Building but it was not to be. However, there is another opportunity to continue and recognize his legacy of kindness in a true hallmark way he was. This spring I emailed the Minister of housing to name the building on 53rd Street the Whitford Building. I call upon this government to do the right thing, set aside bureaucratic processes and protracted policies and needless debate that doesn't have to happen, take the courage and name the 53 Street building the Whitford Building, which will be a fitting honour for a man for a building that was built to give people hope and dignity, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, he was full of kindness, and his legacy to me will always be that. I ask Members today, if they would, break from tradition of normally staying silent when we thank someone in a eulogy, but to tap on your tables and let him hear, and he would have the greatest smile I can see on his face knowing that this Assembly not only loves him, cares for him, and wishes him Godspeed until we all meet again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the additional time as well today. Thank you.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Beautiful Member's statement. Thank you. Members' statements.
