Honourable senators, I rise today to say a few words about a terrible tragedy that has occurred in our Senate family. I’ve been doing this far too often.

Our former colleague Senator Bob Runciman lost his beloved wife, Jeannette, in a tragic accident in the hospital parking lot in their hometown of Brockville, Ontario, on Thursday afternoon. Bob was with her at the time. Bob and Jeannette would have celebrated their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary on March 14.

Bob devoted his life to public service, serving 9 years on city council, 29 years in the Ontario Legislature and more than 7 years in the Senate. He had a distinguished career at Queen’s Park, serving in numerous senior cabinet posts as interim leader of his party and as house leader of the official opposition for many years. Many of us remember him as a tremendous asset to this chamber, particularly as the firm but fair chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for several years.

Bob always said his career would not have been possible without the love and support of Jeannette. The political spouse pays a price far greater than most people can comprehend: the time alone, the extra parenting burden because their partner is away and the family events with an empty chair because duty has called.

Jeannette Runciman was Bob’s rock. She was always there for him. He accepted her counsel above all others. They were a true partnership — a great love story.

Barry Raison, Senator Runciman’s long-time policy adviser, said that Jeannette’s wicked sense of humour and outgoing personality opened a lot of political doors for Bob, particularly in the early years. She had sound political judgment, and Bob always relied upon her advice. Barry said that she would often vet speeches Barry had written for Bob and make changes for the better.

Around the riding, she was often seen cutting ribbons and giving speeches with her beautiful smile and shining personality. Jeannette’s environmentalist efforts did not go unnoticed around town, as she worked with local volunteers to collect recyclables prior to the installation of blue boxes. She volunteered with Brockville cleanup crews for many years and volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at a local school.

After the better part of four decades spent in Toronto and Ottawa, Bob was looking forward to properly thanking her for the support she had given him over his political career. They treasured their time together, as they could finally enjoy all those special moments that most families take for granted. He loved spending time with Jeannette; their two daughters, Sue and Robin; and their families at their cottage in the Thousand Islands.

Unfortunately, Jeannette was diagnosed with cancer not long after Bob’s retirement, but she was a fighter and an optimist. Her quick wit and lively sense of humour never deserted her. They were determined to enjoy the time they had, confront this challenge together and live life to its fullest.

And then tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon around 2 p.m.

Honourable senators, let us all keep Bob, Sue and Robin in our prayers and hope they will find comfort in the love and support of their friends and family. Thank you.