Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday a former Yellowknife resident and Mayor, Fred Henne passed away. Fred Henne first came to Yellowknife in 1947. He arrived in the city as a mine union organizer. Later, he bought Frame and Perkins - a local bussing company which is now known as Arctic Frontier Carriers - and, with his partner Mike Piro, expanded operations to include a Ford dealership, an Imperial Oil dealership, a car wash and a number of other enterprises. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Henne was an active entrepreneur, but he was also very involved in municipal politics. He served as mayor of the City of Yellowknife several times, from 1956 to 1957, again from 1968 to 1973, and finally from 1976 to 1979. Fred hired me to work for the city in 1976, so I got to know him pretty well over the three years that I worked for him.
Mr. Speaker, Fred was a colourful character - like many successful people in a booming frontier town - and you either loved him or you hated him. Fred had a vision of where the city should be headed. He was quick to look at an issue or a situation, choose a position and then work his heart out to achieve what he thought to be the best solution. He was blunt and straightforward and very effective in arguing a case whether it was with a contractor, planner or someone from the territorial Department of Local Government.
Fred used to talk about the early days of municipal government in the north and how tough they had to be with Ottawa early on. He was particularly proud of the role he played in the early days of the first elected government north of 60 - since the Town of Yellowknife had an elected mayor and council way before the territorial government was elected. He also contributed to the development of our city through his dedication and commitment to the community. He was an active volunteer and a charter member of the Yellowknife Rotary Club. Fred was particularly supportive of sports in Yellowknife and fought hard for new facilities. It is appropriate that the Fred Henne Territorial Park, located within the City of Yellowknife, is named after him in honour of his contributions and service to the city.
Mr. Speaker, after Fred retired to Peachland, British Columbia, he continued to come back to Yellowknife for several years to run charters with his beloved boat the Nauti-Gal. Because of the small population of the territories and the role he played in the capital city, Fred was well known to many northerners. Mr. Speaker, I am sure they join me in extending deepest sympathy to his wife Helen and his family. Thank you.