Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jul 2008
Source: Hill Times, The (Ottawa, CN ON)
Copyright: 2008 Hill Times Publishing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.thehilltimes.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/192
Author: Marlene Harmer-Joly

GOODBYE 'DR. BOB'

Re: "Former MP Horner dies in Mississauga," (Politics  Page, The Hill Times,
July 7, p. 14). I just want to  add more to last week's short news article.

It was a long and lonely drive to and from Shawville,  Que., last
weekend when I attended former Conservative  MP Bob Horner's funeral
and burial.

But I had lots of time to reflect on my many years in  his employ.
They were pleasant years filled with  learning and excitement and the
odd good time, to say  the least. 'Dr. Bob,' as he was fondly known in
 Mississauga, Ont., to his constituents and friends, was  a gentleman,
a good friend, and a hard-working MP. He  was also never too busy to
sit down with someone,  listen to their concerns, and offer advice.

Somehow all that sounds vaguely familiar because I tend  to work for
MPs who are hard-working and gentle, like  Conservative MP Joe Comuzzi
who I work for now.

I have learned more with each MP over my more than 30  years on the
Hill. Dr. Bob's wisdom, knowledge, and  popularity led him to become
the first MP in history  who wasn't a lawyer to become chair of the
House  Justice Committee.

He was proud of getting his private member's bill C-264  passed
through the House banning the sale of drug  paraphernalia and, oh boy,
did we receive lots of nasty  calls from potheads over that one.

His training as a former RCMP officer came in handy at  times and the
stories he could tell from his careers as  an RCMP officer, a
veterinarian, and a race horse  veterinarian were fascinating and
funny. He could amuse  people for hours with his stories.

He represented the second most highly-populated riding  in Canada, was
extremely busy and worked with pride. He  also worked well with MPs in
all parties, was  well-liked, and respected. I don't think there are
many  MPs who sat in the Commons from 1984 to 1993 who won't  remember
him.

He knew how to laugh and how to make others laugh which  is, in my
opinion, something that there is not enough  of around these hallowed
halls.

It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Bob from 1986 to  1993. I remember
when he called me to come and work  with him after my employer Jim
McGrath was named  lieutenant governor of Newfoundland. I declined the
 offer at first because he had defeated my former boss  Doug Fisher in
Mississauga North and I didn't think it  was appropriate. But he
called twice and, after  thinking it over for a long time, I accepted.
It was  the beginning of a wonderful working relationship and  many
good years on the Hill. I am so glad he was  persistent and called me
twice.

In recent years, Mr. Horner would call and visit any  time he was
Ottawa and we'd have a few laughs about the  old days. I will miss his
calls and visits. Rest in  peace my good friend, Dr. Bob Horner.

Marlene Harmer-Joly

Executive assistant

Conservative MP Joe Comuzzi

Thunder Bay-Superior North, Ont.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin