The following statement was issued today by Premier Danny Williams. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Fabian O�Dea - former Lieutenant Governor for our province, proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian, and a true gentlemen. Mr. O�Dea passed away on Sunday at the age of 86.

The life of Mr. O�Dea is one of remarkable accomplishment and dedication to our province.

Mr. O�Dea received the Rhode Scholarship for our province in 1939. However, he did not begin his studies until 1945, as he decided to serve his country during the Second World War. During his time of service he became a lieutenant-commander of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Service.

After his studies and upon return to our province in 1949, he established his law firm, O�Dea and Greene and quickly built a respected and successful practice.

1963 was a special year for Mr. O�Dea as he was appointed both as Queen�s Counsel and as Lieutenant Governor, a post he held for six years.

However, the end of his term as Lieutenant Governor did not signal the end of Mr. O�Dea�s public service to the people of this province. He forever remained a pillar of the community through his involvement in many organizations such as the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Mr. O�Dea was indeed a great Newfoundlander and Labradorian, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude and appreciation, for his considerable and valued contributions to our province.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I wish to express my condolences to the family and friends of the Honourable Fabian O�Dea and I ask all members of the house to join with me in honouring his memory today.

He was truly a scholar and a gentlemen.

2004 12 13                          1:50 p.m.