February 9, 1996
(Executive Council)

The following statement was issued today by Premier Brian Tobin:

Premier Tobin pays tribute to the late Robert S. Furlong, former Chief Justice of Newfoundland

The Honourable Robert S. Furlong was a distinguished lawyer and jurist and made a major contribution to public life in Newfoundland and Labrador during his long career. He served as Chief Justice of Newfoundland for 20 years. During that time, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland was divided into a Court of Appeal and a Trial Division. As Chief Justice of Newfoundland, he presided over the Court of Appeal until his retirement from the Bench in 1979. Lawyers who appeared before him were inevitably impressed by his knowledge of the law and unwavering belief in the judicial process.

Chief Justice Furlong was a passionate Newfoundlander and had a deep and wide knowledge of our history.

We are all the better because of Robert Furlong's life and work and we are all the lesser because of his death. As premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, I salute his contribution and I extend my deepest sympathy to those who mourn his passing.