SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Honourable Percy Mockler

Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise and pay tribute to one of New Brunswick’s best-known citizens, a man who has always had a passion for helping New Brunswickers.

Although I have only recently joined the Senate, I have known Senator Mockler since his time as a member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick and as a cabinet minister who held a variety of key cabinet posts.

Percy was well known in political circles. When you mention the name “Percy,” everyone knows who you mean. His name recognition is right up there with Sting and Bono.

In the New Brunswick legislature, Percy loved to pontificate, and he could do so for hours at a time. Like a poker player, he always had a tell that you could spot before he launched into a fiery, passionate oratory on the topic of the day. He would have a fresh glass of water on his desk. He would loosen his tie and clear his throat, and then cast his eyes to the other side of the chamber so as to let his legislative opponents know that they should settle down and settle in. It was a clear signal that Percy was ready to roll. He was an effective debater with a legendary quick wit. Those who tried to best him in debate soon realized that they had their hands full.

Despite his deep commitment to the Progressive Conservative Party, Percy had a great affection for all members of the Legislative Assembly, regardless of their political affiliation. He admired the role that all elected members played in representing their constituents and their province. He treated everyone with respect.

Percy Mockler had friends on both sides of the house. Although he might skewer someone during a debate, it would not be unusual to see him joking and laughing with that same member when the house rose for the day.

He was a consummate constituency politician who cared deeply for his people and worked tirelessly on their behalf. He has a special passion for those in need and has always tried to do what he could to improve their lives.

Percy loved politics, and he always will. He was a political strategist and Conservative organizer, bar none. He carried at least three phones and was always taking calls. He even had one that he kept in his cowboy boot. He knew the importance of getting back to people on all three phones. This was an example that he imparted to others.

A lesser-known fact about Percy is that, as a proud young graduate of Université de Moncton, he was the quality control manager at the Bricklin plant, a job that might be right up there with being a tour guide on the Titanic.

In all seriousness, like many New Brunswickers, Percy wanted the Bricklin venture to succeed and pave the way to economic prosperity in New Brunswick. He remains a proud owner of a Bricklin automobile built at that plant.

I know that he brought the same passion that guided him through his career to the chamber, and the Senate has been well served by Percy Mockler. He was one of the first people to welcome me and to provide sage advice, and it was greatly appreciated.

Percy is both a gentleman and a gentle man. I want to join all of my colleagues in giving him my best wishes, and I hope that he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Thank you, my friend.