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Premier expresses condolences to O�Brien family after passing of Labrador MP Premier of Newfoundland and
Labrador Danny Williams today expressed his condolences to the family of
Lawrence O�Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador. Mr. O�Brien passed
away last evening in St. John�s.
"I have had the privilege
of knowing Mr. O�Brien for the past number of years, and I was deeply
saddened to hear of his passing," said Premier Williams. "I want
to offer my deepest sympathies to his wife Alice, son Michael and daughter
Amanda, and to assure them that the thoughts and prayers of Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians are with them during this difficult time."
First elected to Parliament on
March 25, 1996 in a by-election, Mr. O�Brien was known as a fierce
defender of his homeland, Labrador, a trait Premier Williams strongly
admired. "Every time you met with Lawrence, you knew where his heart
was. His primary concern was the well-being of the people of Labrador. He
was honest about this, and everyone admired him for his strong and
unwavering convictions. It was an honour for me, personally, to work with
such a strong defender and advocate of Labrador.
"I think perhaps one of the
things for which Mr. O�Brien will best be remembered will be his
instrumental role in having the constitutional name change of the province
to Newfoundland and Labrador. He was passionate about the contributions of
Labrador to our province, and he represented the people of Labrador to the
very end. He was a friend and colleague, and he will be missed by all who
were honoured to share in his life."
Premier Williams has also sent a
letter of condolence to the family of Mr. O�Brien. The flags at provincial
government buildings have been lowered at half-mast to mark the life of Mr. O�Brien.
Media contact: Elizabeth
Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960 or (709) 690-5500
2004 12 17 11:40 a.m. |
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