A true loss for Liberals

For many years, behind the scenes, the federal Liberal caucus relied on a couple of smart, discreet professionals in the art of Parliament and procedure.

One was Jerry Yanover and another was Rick Wackid. 

This summer, the Liberals lost Yanover to a sudden, fatal heart attack.

Today, they lost Rick Wackid, who succumbed to Lou Gehrig's disease after an all-too-short battle.  He was just 44 years old. Only about 15 months ago, Wackid was stunned by the diagnosis; he sent around a heart-wrenching email that talked about how this was not part of his life plan. His daughter was just 13 years old -- she's now 14.

Wackid was still feeling well enough to attend the Liberals' summer caucus in Winnipeg in 2008, only a little more than a year ago, and Jane Taber at The Globe and Mail wrote a lovely story about how he was bravely facing his illness. 

I'll remember Rick fondly. He was a quiet, decent gentleman and he's gone too soon. Our condolences to Rick's family and his extended Liberal family too.