A family mystery

By Aaron Wherry - Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 11:19 AM - 21 Comments

Last month, Lawrence Martin wrote about Stephen Harper’s grandfather and the possibility that Harris Harper had taken his own life. Harris Harper’s son now steps forward to dispute that version of events in a lengthy response.

On Monday, the police got a credible report that a person matching his description had spent Saturday night (and maybe even Sunday night) at the Saint John Salvation Army Hostel. Three or four weeks later, the police distributed missing-person flyers throughout Canada and the United States – I helped stuff the envelopes – and there were several reports of sightings but none could be verified. Another distribution of missing-person flyers was carried out the next year with the same results.

After a year, there was a petition filed with the courts to have him declared dead, but it was pointed out that at that time, there was more evidence suggesting he was still alive, possibly a victim of amnesia. This, however, was never proved nor disproved.

'Who knows what traces such traumas can leave?'

By Aaron Wherry - Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 12:24 PM - 3 Comments

Lawrence Martin considers Stephen Harper’s personal connection to depression.

According to Helen Tippett, who taught at the same school as Harris Harper, depression was behind his disappearance. She is 97 now, but still articulate and engaging when I talked to her this week. Because of her acquaintance with his grandfather, Mr. Harper has quietly been in touch with her both before and after becoming prime minister. He asked her, among other things, to take him to the school, Prince Edward, where his grandpa had taught.

Since a body was never found, no one can be certain what happened to Harris Harper. But the consensus, said Mrs. Tippett, is that it was suicide from depression. A few months before he disappeared, she said, he had suffered a nervous breakdown. He then tried to return to his job at the school, but they gave him some tests to mark “and it was all marked wrong and he couldn’t conduct school.”

'In his struggle Dave achieved a life worth living'

By Aaron Wherry - Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:10 PM - 3 Comments

The text of the Prime Minister’s remarks at the funeral of Dave Batters today in Regina. Further coverage from CTV and the Leader-Post.

Denise, members of the Batters family, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered together today to remember Dave, to lament his passing, and to comfort each other.

Dave held a place in all our hearts.

To his wife and family, he was a loving and beloved husband, son and brother.  To his friends, he was unfailingly loyal, generous and caring.  And among his colleagues in parliament, myself included, he was greatly admired for his dedication to his constituents, our party, and our country.

In my experience, no one, on either side of the aisle ever had a bad word to say about Dave.

Continue…

"In my experience, no one, on either side of the aisle ever had a bad word to say about Dave."

By kadyomalley - Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 10:03 PM - 5 Comments

That goes for the press gallery as well, as far as ITQ knows. From the PMO newswire, the PM’s remarks at Dave Batters’ memorial service today:

Saturday, July 4th, 2009
Le samedi 4 julliet 2009

Regina, Saskatchewan

Denise, members of the Batters family, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered together today to remember Dave, to lament his passing, and to comfort each other.

Dave held a place in all our hearts. To his wife and family, he was a loving and beloved husband, son and brother.  To his friends, he was unfailingly loyal, generous and caring.  And among his colleagues in parliament, myself included, he was greatly admired for his dedication to his constituents, our party, and our country.

In my experience, no one, on either side of the aisle ever had a bad word to say about Dave.

His passion for the causes he embraced was combined with respect for his opponents.  Dave was always excited about whatever issue or initiative he was working on.  His energy and enthusiasm were infectious.  He had a good sense of humour.  He lifted spirits and inspired others.  In fact, I used to tell my staff that I wished I could match Dave Batters’ liveliness and optimism.

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Dave Batters, 1969-2009

By Aaron Wherry - Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 2:23 PM - 2 Comments

Sad news from Saskatchewan.

“The family of Dave Batters is grieving the sudden loss of their beloved husband, son and brother, who sadly chose to take his own life at home in Regina on Monday, June 29. Last fall, Dave courageously made public his battle with depression and anxiety when he chose not to run for re-election as the Member of Parliament for Palliser. He entered treatment and his family and friends hoped he would overcome his illness. Tragically, this was not to be.

“Dave and Denise’s family greatly appreciates the support of their friends during this extremely difficult time and requests that the media respect their privacy. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.”

More from Kady. Reaction from James Moore, Tim Powers, Andrew Scheer, Cheryl Gallant, Patrick Brown, Rick Dykstra and Jason Kenney.

Condolences …

By kadyomalley - Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 2:22 PM - 25 Comments

… to the family and friends of Dave Batters. Like I said last year when the news of his condition first broke, this sucks. I just wish that I’d been right when I predicted that we’d see him back on the Hill someday.

UPDATE: From the Prime Minister’s Office:

“I was saddened to hear of the tragic death of my former Caucus colleague and fellow Member of Parliament David Batters.

“Those of us who knew and worked with Dave will remember him as a friend and colleague who worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents in Palliser.

“Dave ultimately lost his struggle with severe depression, but we should use his loss as a reminder that mental health illnesses affect Canadians in every walk of life. Too often Canadians, such as Dave, suffer in silence out of fear of being stigmatized for their illness.

“On behalf of our Conservative Caucus, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Dave Batters steps aside: We'll keep a light on for you …

By kadyomalley - Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 2:10 PM - 0 Comments

Well, it still sucks, but at least it seems like things are slowly but surely getting better. I can’t help thinking Ottawa hasn’t seen the last of Dave Batters:

It is with deep regret that I have informed Prime Minister Stephen Harper of my decision not to seek re-election as the Member of Parliament for Palliser.
I have been ill for the past few months, dealing with anxiety and depression.  As well, I overcame a dependency on certain prescribed medications (benzodiazepines).  I make this very personal disclosure with the hope that others who suffer from these conditions will seek the assistance they need.  There is still a stigma attached to such illnesses and I want to make sure people realize these are conditions that can strike anyone and need to be treated.
I am pleased to report that my health continues to improve.  The support my family and I have received this summer has been incredible.  Though this has been a very trying time for us, your prayers and good wishes have greatly assisted me in reaching a healthier place in my life.

(Full statement is available on his website.)

Well, this sucks …

By kadyomalley - Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 2:32 PM - 0 Comments

… CanWest’s David Akin reports that Dave Batters, who is one of my very favourite Tory MPs, has been hospitalized for unspecified, but serious medical reasons. Hopefully he’ll be back on the job before too long.