A former Canadian prime minister, John Turner who died recently at the age of 91 was laid to rest in Toronto Monday. According to a statement by the Canadian Press, a state funeral is expected to precede the internment.
Because of adherence to COVID-19 protocols, the statement indicates that about 170 invited guests are expected to attend the funeral at the recently renovated St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Toronto.
Organizers have limited the guest list in light of the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, the statement added. The late former Canada’s Prime Minister who died at the age of 91 on Sept. 19 came into office on the platform of the Liberal party in 1984, and has been described as one of the best ever despite his short tenure in office.
According to reports, PM Turner had previously served as Canada’s solicitor general and justice minister, as well as minister for finance prior to his emergence as prime minister in 1984. He became the country’s 17th prime minister.
The late Turner had died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Toronto, according to reports. As he is being laid to rest Monday, many have recalled with nostalgia the spectacular accomplishments of the great statesman, his huge legacy of public service in Canada and beyond.
As expectedly, his demise was greeted with massive tributes from far and near. Many eminent Canadians pay their last respect to the late former Prime Minister whom they described in very complimentary and inspiring words.
“A terrific public servant, he believed really strongly in parliament,” Bob Rae, an age-long Canadian politician said of late former PM Turner. He added: “One of his most eloquent speeches I heard was on his 90th birthday where he talked about the importance of parliamentary life, about politics and about public service. It’s something that he believed in very, very intensely.”
It would be recalled that the late Turner served as a Liberal prime minister for just 79 days in 1984 – the second-shortest tenure ever of a PM in the history Canada. He had lost the general election in 1984 to the then-Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Mulroney who would later become Prime Minister.
According to Mulroney, despite Turner’s exit from the exalted position of prime minister, he still retained his great sense of dignity and fairness as a member of Parliament(MP.)
Mulroney said of his predecessor: “John Turner was a gentleman in politics. I found him to be a very tough opponent and very vigorous opponent, but a gentleman in Canadian politics at all times.”
Canada’s Governor General Julie Payette remarked in a tweet. “Today we mourn the passing of a great Canadian, the Right Honourable John Turner, who served his country with distinction and pride. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and his friends. May he rest in peace.”
Also Paul Martin, a former Canadian Prime Minister wrote in a statement: “John lived a life that was rich and accomplished, full and fulfilling. A Rhodes Scholar and Olympic-qualifying track and field star, he distinguished himself early in life, establishing a pattern of achievement that defined the rest of his days.”
Following the news of Turner’s death, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement saying, “I learned with great sadness today of the death of the Right Honourable John Turner […] Mr. Turner was a humble man with a strong social conscience. He supported many charitable organizations, including Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He was also an honorary director of World Wildlife Fund Canada and an ardent advocate for the protection of Canada’s lakes and rivers.”
The late former Prime Minister Turner was first elected to the House of Commons in 1962. It was on account of his erudition, and outstanding dedication to the noble ideals of the Liberal party and the virtues of public service that he was entrusted with many strategic and high-profile roles in Canadian politics and public service.
