Herb Gray, a former deputy prime minister and longest-serving Windsor-West MP, died Monday at the age of 82.
The Right Honourable Herb Gray had a distinguished 40 year career representing Windsor at the federal level. To honour his passing the City of Windsor will fly their flags at half mast on Tuesday. A book of condolences has also been setup at city hall.
“He was a remarkable man who truly cared and did his job for the right reasons”, said Mayor Eddie Francis. “Mr. Gray was a tireless supporter of our City and will be missed”.
Gray's career in federal politics spanned nearly four decades, starting in Opposition to John Diefenbaker and sweeping to victory with Jean Chretien's third Liberal majority government in November 2000.
The man sometimes known as The Gray Fog was a master of deflection in the House of Commons, embodying the place where opposition questions disappeared in a miasma of polite, monotonal verbiage.
"He has left behind an immense legacy unmatched by most in Canadian history."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper extended his condolences to Gray's family as news of his death spread.
"He was an honourable parliamentarian who served his country well," Harper said on Twitter.
Former Provincial Finance Minister, Dwight Duncan remembers Gray as a mentor.
“He served in the highest offices in the land, but he also never lost sight of the fact that he was a member of parliament. And it's that human legacy I think that people will recall about him," Duncan said.
Constituents, however, said Gray was a down-to-earth politician who always looked beyond party lines when it came to their concerns.
The Windsor lawyer was first elected to the Commons in 1962 at the age of 31.
He would remain undefeated for 12 successive elections in his Windsor West riding. In the November 2000 election, he captured over 20,000 votes, more than twice that of his nearest competitor.
Gray became the first Jewish cabinet minister in Canadian history, appointed as minister without portfolio by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
He later held various cabinet portfolios including national revenue, consumer and corporate affairs and industry.
He took over as deputy prime minister in 1997 from Sheila Copps, who resigned amid a scandal over the Liberals' unfilled promise to scrap the GST. He left parliament in 2002.
Windsor West MPP Teresa Piruzza says the news came as a shock.
“He was a gentleman's man, everyone knew him, respected him, regardless of political affiliation, he was a great man, and I’m really saddened."
A popular figure on Parliament Hill, he was regularly voted one of its sexiest MPs.
In his riding, he was affectionately known as "the godfather of politics," and a coalition of Windsor, Ont., non-profit groups named a building after him.
When he stepped in as interim Opposition leader in 1990, he was often backed by a chorus of Liberal caucus members chanting "Herb, Herb, Herb."
Passionate about politics, he was also known for his love of political satire, and regularly tuned in to CBC's Radio's Royal Canadian Air Farce and Double Exposure.
He never took himself too seriously, said Garry Fortune, a longtime assistant.
"The two of us have had to practically pull over because of our fits of laughter, especially when they do their imitations of him," he said.
Gray would often deliver one-liners during meetings that would go over other official's heads, aides said.
A classical pianist, Gray also had a love for rock 'n' roll, listening to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seeger. He once attended a Boy George concert.
Gray had battled several health problems in recent years, including a heart condition and a bout with cancer.
He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus in 1996 but recovered after radiation therapy.
He also had an operation in 1999 to treat a prostate condition unrelated to the cancer.
In August 2001, Gray underwent valve replacement surgery to correct a heart condition he had known about for years.
Prior to that surgery, he gave no hints he would be retiring anytime soon. Rumours also speculated he was a contender for Governor General in 1999 or a senate seat.
Gray leaves behind wife Sharon Sholzberg, and two children, Jonathan and Elizabeth, and eight grandchildren.
Federal Liberal Leader, Justin Trudeau was also saddened by the news says, "he has left behind an immense legacy unmatched by most in Canadian History."
The Herb Gray Harmony Award is scheduled to be presented later this week by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex.
Named for Windsor`s senior statesman, it annually recognizes a local individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
This year the Herb Gray Harmony Award will recognize Francis.
With files from The Canadian Press
