Source: The Windsor Star

As Canada's agriculture minister Gene Whelan became a household name - even before the green Stetson became his trademark. Still today farmers, and municipal officials in Manitoba ask about Gene, and send their greetings. Women who worked for his department remark about his story telling ability, and how he was the best boss they ever had. Gene had a habit of telling a story during the elevator ride up to his office, including holding the elevator to finish telling his story of the morning.

After his years as a Member of Parliament, and cabinet minister, he turned his attention to Russia, and became a consultant and advisor while Russia was changing its economy to include western agriculture models.

An unlikely Senator, Gene agreed to sit in the Senate for a short period. There he cooperated with Manitoba Conservative Senators who were leading an early investigation into risks to Canada's boreal forest regions. In turn they assisted him in his efforts to keep BST out of milk in Canada.

In 1997 Gene Whelan worried about what the Red River flood was going to do to Manitoba, and his niece's family. He routinely called to get flood forecasts and ask if the federal government had delivered yet. We thank him for his efforts on behalf of Manitoba during the flood.

Many Canadians were touched by Gene Whelan's vision, dedication, and compassion. We will miss him.