It is with great sadness that we, in the New Democratic Party, note the passing of our friend, Patrice Reddock. She died yesterday, at her home in Glen, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Last Friday afternoon, I visited her, with my colleagues, Hon. Daniel Cummings and Hon. Arnhim Eustace and Mrs. Eustace. It was clear to us then that Patrice was near the end of her journey on Earth and would soon move beyond us. She was in great pain. But, displaying unbelievable courage, she acknowledged our presence and even managed a smile. We bade her farewell.
There will be time for a more fitting tribute to her. And we will give her that, for that, is her due. But I will only note here today that Patrice was a foundation member of the NDP. She would remind us younger folk whenever she felt it necessary to demonstrate what political commitment meant that she was there with our great party from its earliest days, and never left.
She was a stalwart in every sense of the word! At every function, she was there with us. It was a joy for me to see her at our Annual Conventions, Central Committee meetings and public meetings. But she was not just a party stalwart, she was a friend, and we will miss her dearly. To her children, her other relatives and friends, please accept our sympathy.
