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.