Premier offers condolences on the passing of Gordon Winter

Premier Roger Grimes today offered condolences to the family and friends of former lieutenant-governor and one of the original supporters of Confederation, Gordon A. Winter, O.C., LL.D.

"It was with regret that I learned of Gordon Winter�s passing, and I offer my sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family and friends," said Premier Grimes. "We particularly think of his wife, Millicent, daughter, Linda, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We hope that they take comfort in the fact that many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians grieve in the loss of a great native son whose work was so vital in beginning Newfoundland and Labrador�s union with Canada.

"The measure of a person can be assessed by one�s unwavering commitment to community: Gordon Winter was such a person. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I express thanks for the longevity of his life during which his actions made better the lives of the people of this province. We will remember a man who devoted so much of his time, energy and life to public service."

Mr. Winter was part of a group of strong supporters of Confederation before Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949. He was appointed as a representative to negotiate the agreement and was one of the six signatories to the final terms of union. When Newfoundland became the 10^th province in Canada, Mr. Winter was appointed to the province�s first cabinet as minister of finance by Joey Smallwood.

Mr. Winter was chairman of the Board of Regents of Memorial University of Newfoundland from 1968 to 1974, when he then became Newfoundland�s sixth lieutenant-governor, a position he held for seven years. Throughout his career he was also actively involved in two inquires, as co-chair of the Royal Commission into the sinking of the Ocean Ranger and as chair of the Roman Catholic church-appointed commission of inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse. He was the recipient of an honourary LL.D degree from Memorial University and appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2003 08 04                                    12:15 p.m.