Premier Danny Williams
Eulogy for Minister Dianne Whalen
Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thank you all so much for being here today to honour Dianne Whalen - an extraordinary mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister, a faithful friend, an outstanding Newfoundlander and Labradorian, and a woman who passionately served the people of the province she so dearly loved.

Of course, leave it to Dianne to have her funeral on Cabinet Day; a parting gift to her buddies - a holiday from Cabinet.

There are some things you do in life out of duty or because it is your job; and there are the things you do because it is truly an honour and a special privilege to do so. Today is one of those latter moments but 10 minutes will certainly not do Dianne justice. I would need the whole morning for that.

Late Sunday afternoon, I went out in the garden in Holyrood alone to say a prayer for Dianne and to reflect on my personal experiences with this wonderful woman. And as unbelievable as this sounds for the middle of October, a beautiful butterfly with orange flashes as brilliant as one of Dianne's scarves, perched on a cushion next to me for nearly a minute.

It then proceeded to gently touch down on flowers throughout the garden before flying into the setting sun. I thought to myself, that's her saying her last good bye.

Colourful, approachable, gentle, making contact with everyone and everything that came into her presence; not intrusive or annoying; but a beautiful and loving presence.

The last contact the butterfly made was the most radiant purple flower in the garden; a final statement. I thought, of her flair for fashion. Two hours later, Kathy called to tell me that Dianne had finally gone to a better place.

Muhammad Ali - one of this generation's most famous fighters - once said that he could "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee". Dianne combined that gentle warm side with a strength and determination that was evident while she was healthy, but even more so during her illness.

While she valiantly battled a terrible disease, she was still as vocal and passionate as ever during my last visit with her last week.

I first met Dianne over two decades ago when her beloved husband Joe was having health problems and she was firmly by his side. Watching her with him, I knew from that moment that this was one woman I would want to have in my corner.

Dianne�s story is one of perseverance and grace, and her life is a journey worth celebrating and lifting up as an example to others who struggle to face life�s many challenges. There were times she held down 3 jobs just to make ends meet.

She was a proud bay girl from Port Blandford, and she was determined to prove that there could actually be Paradise beyond the overpass.

For 18 years as a mayor with competent managers like Paul Martin at her side, she oversaw the expansion of Paradise from a small municipality to the fastest-growing town in Atlantic Canada.

And she served on the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities; the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and many other service and volunteer organizations.

So when I was putting together my team in 2003, I wanted the best and I asked her to join us.

She was a breath of fresh air and exactly what the district needed and wanted. Every one she came into contact with loved her - even crooked old Gary Gosine - and I was impressed by both her political astuteness and her genuine love of people. Dianne had more political talent in her little finger than most people I have encountered in over 5 decades of campaigning.

And I mean political in the best sense of the word. People skills, social interaction, common sense and a genuine concern for the well being of others; she gave politicians a good name.

No one knows the extent of her generosity and compassion. Everyday of her life she reached out and touched someone. From little things like coffee for municipal workers, and tips at the drive thru; to taking under privileged individuals shopping and outfitting them new clothes.

When she noticed a woman missing from church she inquired and discovered she was at home caring for her sick husband. Then when she discovered the woman didn't have a hot water boiler and couldn't even wash her children's clothes properly, Dianne provided that hot water boiler out of her own pocket.

The list of her giving is endless, but I can tell you that Dianne's heart was so big and generous that Mother Theresa herself would be proud.

As a member of my first Cabinet, Dianne brought her life experiences, her public office experiences, her political astuteness, her energy, her positive attitude and her genuine kindness and compassion to the table.

And from that day to this, she never let me down as Premier. She was loyal, intuitive and one of the hardest working individuals I have ever known.

She never missed a birthday with a card, even when my own family did; and sometimes when no one knew that I needed a boost or a laugh, a card would appear on my desk from Dianne.

She was an inspiration to women everywhere and her "Make Your Mark" campaign in 2009 resulted in women seeking one third of all municipal nominations. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador made her a honourary member of the organization for her contributions and years of service and I applaud them for what they did. It was a sincere act of respect, appreciation and love.

In the early days in Cabinet with Barb Wakeham at her side as her Deputy Minister, you could always count on Dianne to be frank and straightforward - she got straight to the point and cut to the bone. It is little wonder Barb easily transitioned from colleague to dear friend, because these two ladies are cut from the same cloth.

In March of 2010, she resumed her duties as Minister even as aggressive medical treatment continued. I have never seen such strength, character and courage in the face of such a serious illness as Dianne demonstrated at that time, and in the months that followed.

To the very end, she worked her heart out for the people she served and even went home during the peak of Igor one last time. Not even a hurricane could keep her down.

She was as fashionable as ever, always with one of her trademark colourful scarves around her neck or wearing one of her stylish hats that she so loved.
Is it any wonder some of the folks in my office dubbed her Lady Di - not only because of her flair for fashion, but because in this province she truly was the people's Princess.

Most importantly, politics never went to her head. A former Liberal Cabinet minister noted this while waiting for the Bell Island Ferry as he was chatting with her Executive Assistant. Dianne was no where in sight and all of sudden she popped back to the table and asked Merle if he wanted gravy and dressing on those fries.

No sir - there were never any airs about Dianne Whalen. Down to earth and as a kind a heart as you could ever find.

Dianne's friendships were so very important to her. And today I want to acknowledge three who were such a big part of her life, particularly in her later years.

Kathy Dunderdale, Barb Wakeham and Jim Gladney were all rocks for Dianne. They took great joy in being beside her through thick and thin and she told me personally how very deeply she loved you all.

Today, you are saying goodbye to a dear friend but I know that the memories she left behind will be your source of both comfort and laughter in the days ahead.

Of course, above and beyond all else, Dianne had a tremendous love for her family. To you, her sisters, brother and extended family I extend my deepest condolences for your loss.

And also, of course, to her immediate family. To her children and grandchildren, I know that your memories of your wonderful mother and grandmother are absolutely unique; they are memories that only you have and they are for you to treasure for the rest of your lives.

Thank you for sharing your mom so generously with all of us. There are no words to express how grateful we are to have shared our journey with the one you love.

Kimberly, Dean and Darrell, I can tell you that your mother spoke of you often and she spoke of you with the love and devotion that only a mother is capable of. She was very proud of each and every one of you and the lives you have made for yourselves.

She cherished every single moment she had with you and counted as her greatest achievement her wonderful children.

She equally loved your partners in life, and I am sure that Paul, June and Maria will be a great source of comfort to you individually during this time of sorrow.

And like any grandmother and most recently great grandmother, she was as proud as proud could be of her precious grandchildren. She would literally light up with pride whenever she talked about them. As they grow, I can only hope they never forget the incredible gift that their grandmother was to their province.

As I draw this eulogy to a close, I realize how very grateful I am that, in her final days, she asked me to stand here and tell her story. It is a story that deserves to be heard by people near and far.

Dianne has left an indelible imprint on me and left me humbled and amazed by her remarkable courage and her devotion to her province. October 2009 she was not expected to live beyond Christmas. Today is October 7, 2010.

She inspires guts, gumption and principle, as reflected in her maiden speech in the House of Assembly on the 3rd of May 2004 when she said, �I have been asked several times now, whether I am worried about getting re-elected. This is not about re-election, Mr. Speaker. It is about doing what is right and what is necessary. It is about putting the future of this province first.�

In that maiden speech she set the course for our government.

She would have given even more if she could, but the time finally arrived � quietly and gently � for Dianne to cast her gaze on yet another �Paradise� on loftier shores. And as much as I would love to have her near, I say with a heavy heart: Farewell, Dianne. I will think of you every time I see a butterfly.

And you will forever have a special place in the heart and soul of your beloved Newfoundland and Labrador.