Marci cho, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart I speak today about the passing of a young man, Jason Stephen Berens. While not related to Jason, I have strong ties with many of his family members, the Fabian, Berens, Russell, and Sanderson families.
Jason was born in Yellowknife on February 7, 1979, and sadly passed away on his 38th birthday. Jason is predeceased by his mother, Georgina Fabian, his grandparents, Albert and Rose Fabian, Billy Berens, Hervina Sanderson, and Joe Russell. Jason is survived by his father, Mark Berens, and his brother, Kyle Laviolette. Given the size of these families, I am sure you can imagine the number of aunts, uncles, and cousins who tragically lost a dear family member.
Everyone who knew Jason was immediately drawn to his naturally kind nature, which is something he learned from his late mother, Georgina. Much like Georgina, Jason would go without seeing someone for years and strike up a conversation as though they saw each other yesterday. He was a kind man who maintained strong and meaningful relations with those whom he held close. His family would joke he was like Polkaroo or Beetlejuice. You would just think about him and a few minutes later the phone would ring.
If you didn't know Jason, you would never expect it, but he could challenge you to a conversation with facts and a well-rounded point of view. He was naturally a brilliant young man with a photographic memory. What was even more amazing about Jason was that he could do this while he was making you laugh with his witty personality. Anyone who knew Jason would agree that he had one of those truly happy, contagious laughs, something that his friends and family will miss the most.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to Jason's family and friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Our thoughts and prayers to the family, as well. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.
