FORMER MP BOB WOOD HONOURED IN OTTAWA

A memorial service was held in Ottawa today for parliamentarians who have passed away in the previous year, including former Nipissing MP Bob Wood. He passed away in North Bay in April, at the age of 85.

 Wood represented the riding of Nipissing as a member of the Liberal Party for nearly 16 years, up until 2004. Anthony Rota succeeded him in the riding now known as Nipissing-Timiskaming. Bob also served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs.  

 Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Pauline Rochefort paid tribute to former MP Bob Wood at the service in the presence of his wife Carol and daughter Ambre Anderson.  She was joined by Senator Lucie Moncion and Emily Haws, a Globe & Mail Reporter and former North Bay resident. 

 “Bob was beloved by the citizens of the riding.  I doubt there are many MPs who can boast of having topped every poll in three successive elections,” said Rochefort.

 While exuberant in his political and social presence, Bob Wood's legacy of kindness was private and personal as he often offered that kindness when no one was looking. He is without a doubt an MP to emulate.

 “The people of Nipissing-Timiskaming, his colleagues in Parliament, and the citizens of Canada extend our deepest thanks to Bob and our sympathies to his family,” added Rochefort.

 Each year, the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians (CAFP) hosts a Memorial Service to honour the lives and legacies of former Parliamentarians who have passed away. Established as a tradition in 2000, this solemn ceremony serves as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the contributions and public service of those who served in Parliament.

 The Parliament of Canada marks this day of remembrance by lowering the flag on the Peace Tower to half-mast on the morning of the service. The Memorial Service builds on this tradition by offering a more formal and inclusive moment of recognition for the political achievements of those no longer with us.