Dr. John Douglas (Jack) Armstrong - a caring mucker

Friday morning last week was the funeral service for Jack Armstrong. I got to know Jack as a fellow pediatrician, and a colleague at the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg. Jack was very concerned about children, and particularly with the needs of aboriginal children.

When I became a politician I met Jack often as he was a pediatrician who was very active in the community. I developed the greatest respect for him and for his comments and suggestions.

Jack's capacity for caring was enormous. Indeed, he was one of only two Canadians featured in the book Caring Physicians of the World produced by the World Medical Association.

A "mucker" who just tried to get things done, Jack served as President of the Manitoba and the Canadian Medical Association and in leadership roles in many, many other organizations.

I miss you Jack.

My condolences to Glenda, Jeanne and Carolyn and to other family members and friends.