The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today in this Honourable House to mark the passing of a great Newfoundlander and Labradorian, Mr. John Crosbie Perlin.

Mr. Perlin died this weekend at the age of 88 years old, and it will be difficult to summarize his life in a few short words here today because, as one of his relatives put it this week, he “received every award you possibly can.”

A member of both the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Canada, Mr. Perlin was a known philanthropist, championing causes from the development of the Fluvarium to the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to Rising Tide Theatre and many, many more.

Mr. Perlin’s relationship with the Royal Family is well known. He served as the Canadian Secretary to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and served as an advisor to many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Vice Regal representatives. He coordinated and oversaw many Royal Visits to this province, and one of his last public acts was to offer public commentary on the passing of Her Majesty a few short weeks ago.

Speaker, of all his accomplishments, it was his recent award as being named Honourary Life President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee that may have meant the most to him. He dedicated over 70 years of his life to supporting the association, and to be recognized in this way was truly special for him.

Speaker, I am honoured to have called John Perlin a friend during his prolific life, and while our province feels a bit smaller today knowing that he is no longer here, the legacy he has left with us is enormous, and will ensure he is never forgotten.

I would ask all members to stand and join me in a moment of silence.

Thank you.