Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will devote my Member’s statement to the life and memory of Cal Mains. Mr. Mains is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice, his daughters, Catherine and Anne, and his son, Sandy. Our condolences are extended to them at this time.
There is much to be celebrated of his life and his contribution to the North. Mr. Mains first moved to the North in 1950, serving as an RCMP officer in the communities of Aklavik, Herschel Islands and Tuktoyaktuk before retiring from the staff sergeant position in 1969 in Fort Smith. He also served for a time in the Yukon.
After retiring from the RCMP, Mr. Mains served as the deputy clerk of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife. Mr. Mains is a veteran and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, having served in the Canadian Navy during the Second World War.
Cal Mains is one of those quiet treasures whose presence made a significant impression on the people of the North for almost 60 years. During his 34 years in Hay River he was well known for his beautiful garden; his backyard was an oasis of colour and fragrance, with a screened gazebo where he and his wife, Alice, were able to enjoy the warm subarctic summer evenings.
He was an avid follower of local, territorial and federal politics. He had strong opinions about the issues of the day. He took his involvement in community and country very seriously. In that sense I would characterize him not only as a notable Northerner but an amazing Canadian who captured many of the things that we as Canadians are known for and take our greatest pride in.
This past Canada Day I took a photograph of him with his wife and his daughter Catherine at the high tea sponsored by the Hay River Museum Society. He was a very tall and striking man, very photogenic and often photographed at Legion Remembrance Day services and community events. It didn’t enter my mind that day that this could be the last picture I would take of him; he enjoyed relatively good health until his recent illness.
His family, friends and neighbours in Hay River will miss him. He was a gentleman, devoted partner, dedicated father and friend who lived his life with integrity, honour and a serving nature. I will personally miss his support, encouragement and sense of humour.
His funeral will start in Hay River at 2 o’clock, where his family and friends will gather. I wish I could be there, but I know that Cal would understand my commitment to my duties here today. May he rest in peace.
Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Member for Kam Lake, Mr. Ramsay.
