My Speeches

Tribute to Father's

Posted on Jun 14, 2007

The following is a transcription of a speech made by the most Honourable Victor Doerkson, MLA for Red Deer South.  Below the text is a link to the video of the speech.  Simply click on the link and view the video for Thurs, June 14th.  The speech occurs 15mins and 35secs into the proceedings.  This truly is one of the most touching speeches I have ever heard delivered in the Legislative Assembly and is a testament to the credibility and integrity of one of the most dedicated family men I have ever met, namely Victor himself.

Tribute to Fathers
Mr. Doerksen: Mr. Speaker, this is a tribute to fathers. The humour belongs to Phil Callaway. The sentiments are mine. When I got married, fatherhood was not the first thing on my mind. In fact, kids can be disgusting. They stuff peas in their ears and corn down their diapers. They blow things out their noses, and then they want a kiss. With little money at my disposal, I believed that poverty was hereditary. You get it from your kids. But then one night my beautiful wife stood before me in some rather expensive lingerie and said: honey, let’s have kids, tons of them. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Twenty-eight years ago I met the first two of my four children.
Yes, twins. I would hold them like two little footballs, one head in each hand, and stroll down the mall proud as can be. Then came my daughters. I tell you, girls are sweet on their dads. They can manipulate your heart like no one else. I’ve taken my kids into the wilderness and pushed them up mountains. Character building, I told them. They whined the whole way. Now I whine while they push me. I taught them to skate and play hockey. Now I can’t match their strides. I’ve learned that having adventures and experiences with your kids is more important than buying them stuff. It has been an awesome ride.
Sunday is Father’s Day. I want to thank my heavenly Father for the privilege of being a father and now a grandfather. I thank Him for the wonderful father that I have. God understands that not every kid has a good father and declares Himself to be the Father to the fatherless. I want to thank all fathers and encourage you in what you do with and for your kids. It is the most important and most rewarding responsibility you will ever have in life.

Happy Father’s Day.