It’s an honour to rise today to pay tribute to a former member of this great House. As we engage in these tributes, it really strikes you how the actions people undertake with a kind heart and an open heart last forever. It also strikes you about the character, quality and dynamism of individuals who have been able to serve in this House.

Bruce Owen was the former MPP for Simcoe Centre and served between the years of 1987 to 1990. The words that strike me the most when considering Bruce are service—service without thought of self or thought of reward—and also determination and further commitment. He had a very active life in politics and community activism outside of the Legislature as well, and he earned many accolades in his life. In fact, in his determined perseverance and his commitment, he tried eight times for a seat either at Queen’s Park or in the House of Commons, and eventually succeeded in 1987. He never, ever gave up.

Before I speak to Bruce’s professional achievements, I want to recognize the family and friends who have come here today to honour his life and career. Bruce is being honoured today by his son, Trevor, and daughter-in-law, Heather; his grandchildren Jonathan, Benjamin and Alexandra; his friend Brian; as well as David Warner and Steve Gilchrist, both members of provincial Parliament who had the opportunity to serve as colleagues with Bruce. Also, the family I’d like to recognize who can’t join us here today are his daughters Valerie; Pamela and her partner Ron; and grandchildren Brianna and Chad. Of all of his achievements, Bruce clearly surrounded himself with loving friends and family, an amazing personal life achievement.

Bruce was first elected to Ontario’s Legislature in 1987, and during that time, he worked on the committee of government agencies, general government and social development. Before politics, Bruce was a social worker as well as a tannery and furniture worker before passing the bar. Trained in law and having served as a Small Claims Court judge as well as alderman in Barrie city council, he was a passionate public servant who was well-known for giving time to his community when called upon. He was proud of his legislative success of banning smoking in the workplace, a controversial piece of legislation at the time, but something that we can all thank him for to this day. This act likely saved many lives and much suffering.

He wore many hats before, during and after his time in the House. He was credited for having a vital role in some of the developments in Barrie and across the province that we now enjoy. Some of them are his work to help get Centennial Park built, Collier Place and the Portuguese Cultural Centre. He also helped to found and access funds for Kempenfest, a large festival in Barrie including artisans, entertainers and other vendors. They will be hosting their 51st year this August. He also fought for large event and concert areas, something he continued to champion long after he retired from politics—again, that commitment and that determination to service. He also worked with international companies like Honda to bring investment into the auto manufacturing industry in Alliston.

His passion for the arts and music also had him experience some amazing moments. Bruce was well-known for participating not just at his church, but at spiritual places of different denominations, as long as he could sing and help others enjoy the gift of music. He would sing Ave Maria at Protestant churches, gospel at Roman Catholic parishes. He even sang a solo once in the papal choir when Pope John Paul II visited Ontario in 1984. I should point out here that Bruce was an Anglican, but he was ecumenical when it came to sharing the gift and the joy of music.

His role as the president of the Barrie Concert Association really spoke to his love for music. His work with the organization saw him work tirelessly to bring in performances from across the world into Barrie. For this dedication, he earned the National Art Centre’s award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring. Upon winning this award, Bruce said he felt “stunned and completely surprised—I’m just a small-town boy from a reasonably small city,” because he was the first community volunteer to win the award, and he reminded the interviewer that the last year’s winner was the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. But it was a well-deserved award for Bruce. Peter Herrndorf, the director general and CEO for the National Arts Centre stated that Bruce “has worked tirelessly for over 40 years promoting and touring the performing arts in his community.”

His time as the president of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club and mental health associations all speak further to his commitment to public service. For these efforts, he was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and Ontario’s June Callwood leadership award.

I’d like to quote the people who knew and loved him best. His son, Trevor, said, “He always thought poverty was around the corner, so he was acutely aware of the failings of capitalism and the need for medicare, and that drove him—the drive to work so he would never be poor and to drive to help others for justice so they wouldn’t end up like he did with a blind eye.” Trevor also said, “When my mother died three years ago, he would weekly cook a meal for one grandchild that is health-challenged, and took him food every week and brought him groceries.” It is truly beautiful to read these heart-felt words from his son.

On behalf of the official opposition, we would like to extend our condolences to Bruce’s family members here today. Bruce had a life well lived and he exemplified service to his community as well as sharing his love of the performing arts. Thank you all for sharing Bruce with us.