Sunday 26 June 2011

Senator William Rompkey

He has served in the political arena in Canada for almost four decades. From 1972-1995 he was a member of The House of Commons representing the Newfoundland and Labrador riding of Grand Falls White Bay Labrador. From 1995-2011 he was a member of the Senate having been appointed by former Prime Minister John Chretien. During his tenure in politics he served on innumerable committees of the House and the Senate. He served as a Minister in the Chretien government for many years. You all know I am talking about William Rompkey who reached his 75th. birthday this year and so has resigned his Senate seat after a long and productive career.

It was Bill Rompkey who had the idea that we should have a plaque commemorating the supreme sacrifice Feildians made during WW I. He was instrumental along with Dick Cook in bringing that project to fruition and today we have a wonderful piece of artwork in the museum at Beaumont Hamel which says that Feildians were there.

Bill Rompkey is not solely defined by his teaching career and his political longevity. He is also an author. His publications include the following; The Story of Labrador, From the Coast to Far Inland, St. John's and the Battle of the Atlantic and Your Daughter Fanny. All of his publications have as a backdrop his native province. He remains the consummate teacher in his writings. I know all Feildians would like to wish Bill his wife Carolyn and their children Peter and Hilary great success in any future endeavours. Thank you, Bill, for all your hard work on our behalf.
Bill talking to students at Bishop Feild School



Our commemorative artwork at Beaumont Hamel
William Rompkey- Feildian

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