Premier Pat Binns today expressed sorrow upon hearing of the passing of Roddy Pratt, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Pratt, aged 74, died at noon today.
Premier Binns stated the following, "Roddy was an exceptional grassroots politician. He cared for other Islanders like they were his own family. He put the disadvantaged first, and his contribution on behalf of the people of Second Kings and the Island will long be remembered."
An immensely popular and affable public figure, Mr. Pratt was first elected to Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly in the general election of 1978 and was subsequently re-elected in 1979, 1982 and 1986. He served capably as Minister of Transportation and Public Works and later as Minister of Fisheries and Labour.
Active in his community, Mr. Pratt was Charter President of the St. Peter's Lions Club, President of the PEI Producers' Association, member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and also sat on the building committees for two area schools. Roderick Pratt was the recipient of the Life Saving Award in 1962.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Roddy Pratt leaves to mourn his wife Mary and children Halbert, Barbara Jean, Malcolm, Janet and Roderick Jr., as well as numerous grandchildren.
"On behalf of my colleagues in the Government Caucus, I want to extend sincere sympathies to Mary and family," stated Premier Binns.