Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, it saddens me again to stand in this House and speak about another loss in my riding. Unfortunately, on December 20, 2016, Eugene Villeneuve passed away. Eugene was 56 years old when he passed.

I had the opportunity to meet Eugene about a month after moving to Fort Simpson in August of 1992. He was always friendly and willing to share and discuss issues of the day. I am fortunate to say he worked with my son and was always willing to give him a helping hand and advice as he grew up through his teenage years.

Eugene was the eighth of the nine children born to Theresa and Edward Villeneuve. He had six sisters and two brothers. Eugene was predeceased by his parents, five sisters, and one brother. Eugene attended school until grade 10, when he decided that he wanted to serve his country. He enlisted in the army in 1978 and served four years. After his term with the army, he moved to Edmonton. After living in Edmonton for five years, he knew he had to come back to his home, family, and friends.

During his eulogy, it was stated he was a signature of the community. No truer words have been spoken. He was part of the fabric of the community. He touched so many people's lives, whether it was offering to shovel your roof or the driveway, cut the grass, or just a friendly "hello," "good morning," or "good afternoon." I, like so many others, will sadly miss those interactions.

To do justice to Eugene, I realize the best way would be to share these words from family and friends:

"The words 'good morning' from a man that never wanted more than he had. He was comfortable with what he had. Rarely did you hear him complain. Rest in peace, dear friend. You suffered enough and lost many family members. Now celebrate Christmas with them." That was the mayor of Fort Simpson, Darlene Sibbeston.

"Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed, and I will miss cooking for you and you never complaining, just accepting with a big smile. The Lord is looking after you now," Nellie Jane Hardisty.

"Such a sad day for a community. Thank you, Eugene, for always saying 'hello,' always looking after our place when we were away, especially our old girl. Never once did we ask him for this. It was just the pure kindness of his heart. Rest in peace," Ramona Hardisty-Gillis.

"Known for his genuine smile and how he always went out of his way for others, he had the biggest heart. It won't be the same walking into the gas bar and hearing, 'What's up, cuz?' Rest peacefully, Eugene," Courtney Squirrel.

"I'm feeling sadness this morning thinking about my childhood friend, Eugene Villeneuve, and his passing. You may be gone from my sight, but you'll never be gone from my heart. Go rest high on the mountain, buddy," Frank Hope.

In closing, I'd like to say the Northern Gas Bar will not be the same. Every morning, you could find him there. He was part of the place. Getting your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or juice will not be the same without his "good morning," "hello," and friendly bantering. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.