Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE DEATH OF ARTHUR RYAN SMITH

July 1, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the death of Arthur "Art" Ryan Smith O.C., A.O.E., D.F.C., LL.D.:

"I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Art Smith. An Officer of the Order of Canada, decorated Canadian veteran of the Second World War, successful businessman and an elected representative at all levels of government, Art was a great Calgarian, a great Albertan and a great Canadian.

"His contributions to our country are too many to count. After his distinguished service in the Royal Canadian Air Force and a successful career in the oil patch, Art devoted much of the rest of his life to public service. He provided outstanding representation for Calgarians on city council, in the Alberta legislature and in the House of Commons. His numerous private philanthropic and civic-minded initiatives include helping establish the Calgary Economic Development Authority and the Calgary Homeless Foundation, serving as Chief of Protocol for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, and erecting a memorial to fellow Alberta airmen who died in the Second World War.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his loved ones, particularly Betty Ann and his children."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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