Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with further sadness from my constituency that I present my statement today, Mr. Speaker. Early yesterday morning, the people of Fort McPherson lost another one of their respected and treasured elders, Mr. Fred Blake, Senior, who was suffering from a weakening illness for the remaining few months of his life. Fred Blake Senior succumbed to his illness, but not without giving a fight to the end. Fred Blake Senior was born in East Branch on the Mackenzie River in 1917 and was the son of Arthur and Elizabeth Blake. Fred and his wife, Elizabeth George, were married in 1937 and had a family of 14 children, all of whom are still alive today. They also have more than 37 grandchildren.
As an active young man, Fred was always involved in his traditional way of life. That is how he raised his family, through hunting, fishing and trapping on a daily basis. He had plenty of energy left when he came back to the communities to join in football and also in square dancing and jigging.
For many years, Fred was the local water delivery man in Fort McPherson. He carried out his duties diligently and effectively. Although Fred was retired and collecting Old Age Pension, he remained active in the social structure of the community. He participated in square dancing, calling on a regular basis and Fred was present along with other musicians of the local community to always be there to entertain the community. Despite getting on in age, Fred continued to get back to the land every spring to pursue his traditional way of life at Husky River. He was also known as a nice old man who loved to joke and tease, especially to the younger people, making people laugh regardless if it was on the street or in his home. Fred was always there for everyone.
On behalf of my constituency and myself and family, I offer my sincere condolences and sympathy to Fred's family, his wife Elizabeth and all his children and grandchildren. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.