A sad day and a sad end to the House of Commons session.

The Conservative MP for the Kamloops Thompson is remembering her colleague Mark Warawa who passed away today.

Warawa a long time Langley MP lost his battle with cancer this morning and Cathy McLeod remembers him as a family man and someone who cherished democracy.

“We knew his cancer diagnosis was very difficult. He was in the Ukraine just a little over two month ago supporting the democratic voting process there when he became ill so it was certainly very fast.”

McLeod says she will remember Warawa not only as a great colleague but also as a wonderful singer.

“Mark was a member of what they call the Conservative Five and it was a singing group. They were very very impressive. They practiced every week and they would sing in caucus for Christmas and other special occasions. I just remember it being such beautiful music when they would come and join us. Certainly that is a very fond memory.”

McLeod says it was an example of who Warawa was when he gave his goodbye speech in the House of Commons and while his colleagues were trying to console him he was more worried about supporting them.

She says he had a passion for a number issues including seniors care, palliative care, and the environment.