Saskatchewan MLAs share memories of the late Derek Meyers in Assembly

It was another day full of tears at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building on Wednesday.

Instead of the normal proceedings for government, the MLAs took that time to speak about Derek Meyers, the MLA for Regina Walsh Acres who passed away this week after a battle with cancer at the age of 45.

Each Saskatchewan Party member stood and spoke, with Premier Scott Moe going first. He talked about Meyers being eager to learn and ready to serve, and having the sparkle of an eternal optimist.

“I would ask each of us as we leave today, think of how gracious Derek was with you, how gracious he was with his time, with his words. Think of how positive he was, even at times that otherwise were very bleak. Think of how positive Derek Meyers was,” Moe said.

“Think about every time that you spoke or interacted or even sometimes just walked by Derek. Think about how you just felt a little bit better after. And think about the impact that Derek Meyers had on your life. I think we can all strive to carry a little of Derek Meyers with us in every future interaction that we have, in every conversation that we have, and in every friendship that we aspire.”

Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer echoed that sentiment when she talked about Meyers.

“His positive attitude, his optimism was just so contagious that you couldn’t help but feel better when you talked to Derek,” said Harpauer, who then broke down.

“It’s not long enough. Time was not long enough,” Harpauer said through tears. “My heart goes out to Laurie (Meyers’ partner). It’s not long enough.”

Marv Friesen was Meyers’ seatmate in the Assembly.

“Every morning I would come, we would come here and I would sit at my desk and just hope that Derek would be back one more day because he just loved being here,” said Friesen.

Education Minister Dustin Duncan said he’d known Meyers since he was a kid — their families had been friends — and he talked about the last time he heard from Meyers.

“I sent a text message to Derek on Saturday night — I just wanted him to know that I was thinking about him — and we were told that he would get the message but may or may not reply, which was OK,” Duncan said. “About an hour later, he replied and it said, ‘Hanging in. Every day is a gift.’ ”

It wasn’t just the Sask. Party remembering Meyers; NDP MLAs stood to share their grief as well.

“When we leave this chamber, when we leave this world, I think the most that any of us can hope for is that we leave something behind — something better, memories for our loved ones. And that certainly is the case with Derek,” said NDP Leader Carla Beck.

NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon was overcome with emotion as he began his remarks.

“I rise in solemn solidarity and deepest condolences. This province has lost a decent soul,” said Wotherspoon.

Opposition House Leader Nicole Sarauer talked about how Meyers reached across the aisle on multiple occasions, telling a story about a cold Remembrance Day when she attended the Regina Rifles ceremony. She was originally just in the crowd and Meyers spotted her.

“He said, ‘Well, I have an extra wreath. I want you to have that wreath. Why don’t you come up and I’ll let the emcee know and you can be a part of the proceedings?’ And so I did join the proceedings … Perhaps for others that might not sound like a significant thing, but for those on this floor, they know how significant that is. That speaks a lot about Derek,” said Sarauer.

The Assembly adjourned after nearly 2 1/2 hours. Normal government business was expected to resume Thursday morning.