Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, it is good to see everyone again. This afternoon I would like to pay tribute to a prominent and long-time resident of Hay River, who passed away last week. Polly Camsell was born on Herschel Island on April 22, 1911. Polly's father, Sam Carter, was a member of the famous lost patrol. Sam Carter's body was found four days before Polly was born. Polly was orphaned when her mother died in child birth. She spent the first eight years of her life on Herschel Island with her grandmother and brother Sam. When Polly's grandmother also passed away, Polly and her brother were sent to the St. Peter's Anglican Mission school in Hay River. Polly remained in Hay River where she met her husband, Harry Camsell, and together they had 11 children.
Polly and Harry Camsell were the kind of people who formed the very fabric of the community. In spite of the early personal losses and tragedies that Polly suffered, when some may have questioned why, or become bitter, her experiences in life made Polly undeniably one of the most beautiful people you could imagine. Her son, Terry Camsell, mentioned how people were attracted to his mother, and I know it was because of the love, kindness and gentleness that she radiated. She was not happy unless she was cooking, baking or taking care of someone.
The last time I visited her in the hospital before Christmas, she said she had to get home because they could not have Christmas dinner without her plum pudding. Even when her health was failing, she only thought of her family and those around her. Polly Camsell has left this earth, but she has left behind a legacy that will live on through her children and grandchildren, and everyone that she touched with her sweet and gentle spirit. Polly had a strong faith, and there is a principle in the Bible that says that if you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all. When the record is revealed and shows the things that were seen and all of the unseen deeds of kindness, her reward will indeed be great. My condolences today to the Camsell family as they gather in Hay River for the funeral, and I know it will be a celebration of a life that should be an example to all of us. Thank you.
-- Applause