A city is grieving the loss of "a man of honour and integrity" who entered politics for all the right reasons.
Chuck Cadman, 57, died from skin cancer at his North Surrey home Saturday morning.
Surrey residents are left remembering the many ways the Independent Member of Parliament for Surrey-North helped them, both here and in Ottawa.
Months after Cadman's son Jesse was killed by a youth gang in 1992, the pony-tailed man was helping others in similar situations.
Near Cadman's King George Highway constituency office Monday, Tanya Kolde broke down into tears when she recalls hearing a television broadcast of Cadman's death.
"My mom screamed, and I dropped to the floor," Kolde said, recalling how Cadman helped the families of two of her friends shot under the Pattullo Bridge in 1993.
"He was jumping from one courtroom to the next," Kolde says. He was the biggest, cuddliest teddy bear."
Many others recall Cadman for his "man-of-the-people" approach to government.
Krista Gebhard said Cadman left her and her classmates thinking twice about drinking and getting behind the wheel of a car.
"He came to my high school and gave a big speech about drinking and driving," Gebhard said, adding it was a message she'll never forget. "I remember it was a very passionate speech."
She described Cadman as "intelligent, fair and willing to put himself out there for a cause."
He was also remembered as a man who could relate to people from all walks of life.
"He was one of me," said Paul McDermott. "Not a lawyer, just one of the guys. I'm gonna miss someone who represented me. I don't think the others do."
Cadman's popularity went beyond the boundaries of his constituency.
Alf Janzen, a Vancouver Island resident in Surrey on a visit, describes Cadman as a man of integrity.
"He just seemed a lot different," Janzen said. "From what I read and heard, I liked the man's politics, if I was in the area I would have voted for him."
Claire Hexter, who works in Burnaby's emergency ward, said she was amazed when she heard Cadman was travelling to Ottawa for a vote May 19, which staved off an Opposition bid to force a federal election.
Hexter, knowing of Cadman's level of cancer treatment, said it must have been an extremely difficult trip.
"It's something to have that drive to go on, especially for that tie-breaking vote, and then to come back and meet with all his constituents," Hexter said.
Cadman's cab driver Jason Sangowicz wants to make sure the North Surrey MP's legacy for youth justice reform continues.
"We'll do whatever we have to to continue on with his work," Sangowicz said.
"I've known him for about seven years now," Sangowicz said, adding that in driving him to the airport, they had some really great talks."
He "educated" Sangowicz in the world of politics and encouraged him to follow his urge to affect change.
He was just different, and we loved him for it."
Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum described Cadman's death as a "huge loss and a very sad day" for this city.
"He was a tremendous bridge between Surrey and Ottawa," McCallum said. "He took our issues forward federally and the other way around too."
McCallum said Cadman also put a "real human face on politics."
Even his political opponents admired him.
Shinder Purewal, who ran against Cadman in the 2000 election for Surrey-North, described Cadman as a "legend."
He remembers Cadman's human touch even in dealing with a political rival.
"My father was murdered when I was young," said Purewal, now a political science professor at Kwantlen University College. "In our very first meeting, Mr. Cadman came to me and said, 'You understand why people like me are pursuing victims' rights.' On that issue we were on the same wavelength."
Purewal got more votes than any previous Liberal in the riding, but that was barely half of the total for Cadman, who won by a nearly 10,000-vote margin.
"He was such a legend," Purewal recalled. "He's such a folklore tradition in Surrey-North. People would tell you to your face, 'We don't dislike you. But our favourite is Mr. Cadman'.
There aren't many times you can boast about your defeat. But I took pleasure that someone like Mr. Cadman was the winner in this case."
Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton was in town Monday and described Cadman as a "remarkable parliamentarian." "He didn't go to Ottawa to be powerful or pursue political ambition or personal gain," Layton said. "He went there out of a tragedy, out of a horrible situation over the killing of his own son. And he decided to make a difference."
He described it as "the most honourable" reason for someone to seek public office.
A book of condolences at Valley View Cemetery on 72 Avenue has dozens of signatures, describing Cadman as an "inspiration" and an "extraordinary man."
Another written message speaks of his son's legacy.
"Who would have ever dreamed what an impact Jesse's life would have?"
A memorial service for Cadman is planned at Johnston Heights Church, at 9612 152 St. at 11 a.m. July 16. Prime Minister Paul Martin and Opposition leader Stephen Harper are planning to attend the service.
Chuck Cadman was not, by any measure, an ordinary politician.
A blue jeans-wearing former rock guitarist with his hair tied back in a ponytail, Cadman entered politics in 1997, winning Surrey-North for the then-Reform party.
The difference was more than mere appearances, said Cadman campaign co-manager, Ray Mol.
"Chuck was just a stand-up guy," Mol said, describing Cadman as an honest politician who gave his word and kept it.
"He learned how to play the game without being part of it."
Cadman began campaigning for changes to the justice system in the wake of the senseless 1992 murder of his 16-year-old son Jesse, who was killed by a group of older teens.
He and his wife Dona formed the group Crime, Responsibility and Youth (CRY) in 1993 to lobby victim's rights and criminal justice reform.
In Ottawa, the new MP's campaign for criminal reform led to legislation that gives victims of crime a role in the sentencing process as well as revisions to young offenders regulations that included many Cadman-inspired provisions.
Despite being diagnosed with skin cancer, Cadman ran and won as an independent MP in June of 2004 after novice politician Jasbir Cheema staged a surprise defeat of Cadman in March, signing up 1,500 members in a matter of weeks to take the party nomination for the riding.
Public outrage at the popular MP's ouster brought money and volunteers flooding into the Cadman campaign after he announced he would run as an independent.
Among them, Ken Caley, the former chair of the 16-member Surrey-North Conservative riding association, who led an exodus of 10 directors to the Cadman camp.
"We're never going to replace Chuck here in Surrey-North," Caley told The Leader.
History will likely record last May's confidence vote in Ottawa as the most memorable moment of Cadman's political career.
The fate of the government was on the line with a crucial vote on a NDP-sponsored budget bill.
By then, the skin cancer discovered on one leg had spread and Cadman had lost a substantial amount of weight and been forced to cut his trademark ponytail because of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
House of Commons cameras recorded a frail-looking Cadman as he rose to his feet, chewing gum for a throat parched by chemotherapy, to produce a 152-152 tie vote.
Under parliamentary rules, the Speaker of the House, a Liberal, casts the deciding ballot in a tie vote and tradition dictates that vote goes to the government, meaning the budget amendment that added $4.6 billion in social spending and delayed corporate tax cuts passed by the narrowest margin possible.
Cadman's death has left a vacancy that, by law, must be filled within six months.
"Who fills those kind of shoes?" said Mol.
Whoever it is, it won't be Cadman's wife, Dona, who has informed supporters that she does not plan to run to succeed her late husband.
Cadman is also survived by daughter Jodi, 32.
People's politician sorely missed by Paula Carlson
Maybe it was the salt-and-pepper ponytail, the blue jeans, or the thought of him jammin' with Jimi Hendrix that endeared Chuck Cadman to his working-class constituents.
That he was no stranger to the raw crime that sometimes seems to permeate North Surrey (his son Jesse was killed at age 16 by a youth gang while walking home from a Guildford-area bus stop in 1992) certainly forged a bond with the folks who live in an area better known for its car theft rate than its restaurants.
But the reason for his enormous popularity was more basic than that, and could be felt in the warmth of his handshake and the welcome way his eyes met your own whenever you showed up with a concern or a problem.
If Diana was the people's princess, an approachable icon in a sea of royal snootiness, then surely Cadman was the people's politician, a regular guy who waded into the fray for the right reason: to make Canada a better, safer place.
He never lost his compass, not even when the game got nasty in 2004, when novice politician Jasbir Cheema staged a surprise nomination defeat of Cadman after signing up 1,500 new Conservative party members.
Cadman simply ran as an independent, and handily won the riding.
Just weeks ago, the MP was still on top, garnering an impressive 72 per cent approval rating from residents surveyed by pollster Ipsos-Reid.
This week, with the accolades pouring in from coast to coast, from the prime minister's office to the local pubs, one wonders if that figure was too low.
"He was one of me," said Paul McDermott outside Cadman's office. "Not a lawyer, just one of the guys. I'm gonna miss someone who represented me. I don't think the others do."
Lynda Gaisson saw Cadman as "a Surrey/Whalley man who stood for the people of this area, he mingled with the people, talked to the people one-on-one and listened to all concerns."
Rhonda Brain said, "he truly set an example to all Members of Parliament on how to handle government issueswith your head and heart."
By mid-week, relatives were wondering whether the planned venue for Cadman's memorial this Saturday - Johnston Heights Church -- would be large enough to accommodate those who want to pay their respects.
Likely not.
For in an age of Gomery, ballooning gun registry costs, millions in "missing" HRDC money and other mind-boggling machinations that make the bureaucracy of government seem impenetrable, Cadman reminded us that one Canadian can make a difference.
That legacy touches all.
Even my own daughter, who has a passing interest in politics by way of her mother's profession, was genuinely distressed to hear of Cadman's death when I mentioned it over breakfast on Monday.
"What?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide and a spoonful of cereal halted mid-scoop.
"Wasn't he one of the good guys?"
Yes, hon. Yes he was.
Prime Minister Paul Martin is one of many politicians expected to attend Chuck Cadman's memorial service on Saturday, a fitting tribute to Surrey's own statesman.
But if Martin really wants to honour Cadman's memory, he should see to it that the Surrey North MPs' two outstanding private members bills are made law.
Martin phoned Dona Cadman this week to see if there's anything he could do. No shrinking violet, Dona said he should make sure Chuck's bills become law. She said the PM told her they'd be brought up in the fall. Dona and the rest of us will be watching.
Chuck's Bill C-287 seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make tampering with VIN (Vehicle Identification Numbers) a criminal offence drawing up to five years imprisonment.
This, Chuck argued, would help fight organized auto theft rings.
His bill on street racing got second reading before the last federal election, by a vote of 121 to 88. It calls for street racing to be considered an aggravating factor at sentencing for those convicted of dangerous driving or criminal negligence. Those convicted would also be subject to mandatory national driving prohibitions ranging from one year to life, consecutive to whatever sentence imposed.
Martin would not only be honouring Cadman's memory by seeing this common-sense legislation passed, he'd be doing all law-abiding Canadians a favour, too.
Every journalist has "the column" to write in their career, and this is probably mine.
I met Chuck Cadman in the basement of Johnston Heights Evangelical Church just minutes after his son's funeral ended. He was cradling Jesse's soccer ball in his arm. Jesse was only 16 when he was stabbed to death by another teen.
It was the same church where Chuck's own memorial service will be held on Saturday.
Relatively new to reporting, I burbled on about needing a picture of Jesse for the newspaper, how I was so sorry to bother him, etc. The introduction was a defining moment for me.
Tortured though he was, Chuck had a lot of time for me. And this was the essence of the man - he had a lot of time for everybody.
In the days, months and years that followed, I watched Chuck and Dona form Crime, Responsibility and Youth (CRY), to lobby for change to the Young Offenders Act.
This newspaper broke the story of that launch, followed by the Globe&Mail.
I reported on numerous lobby events to change the YOA and attended what seemed like countless court hearings, protest rallies and graveside candlelight vigils as Chuck fought for changes to the legislation.
The Cadmans also rushed to the aid of other victims of violence. Among these were Bob and Pat Selig, a Whalley couple whose daughter Laurie was stabbed to death a few weeks after Jesse died.
The families of murder victims create a bond that, while it can't mend the loss of a loved one, is still about as strong as human bonds get.
One day, after years of following these families through their tragedies, irony struck as I found myself in a similar situation. My future mother-in-law was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Guatemala. I'd just been down there a little over a month earlier, having taken time off work without pay to get to know her daughter Jessica, who eventually became my wife. Having witnessed what murder does to families, I was desperate to help her. But there I was, broke, no credit cards and the bank wouldn't let me at my RRSPs. I phoned the Seligs for advice on what I could say and do from here to help her in her grief. They told me to come over, and Chuck and Dona would be there. Immediately, both families wrote me a cheque each for $500 and told me to get down there, Jessy needed me. I bawled like a baby.
Bob drove me to the airport the next day. I'll note that I repaid the Seligs and Cadmans immediately upon my return, though we hadn't discussed this and they hardly expected it.
Through their loss, people like the Seligs and Cadmans learned the hard way what many of us have yet to learn about the most important things in life: human relationships. And not to worry about small stuff.
Chuck lived this way and always did what he knew he had to do. Cheerfully, yet. There was no bullshit about this guy, and people loved him for it.
Some things stood out, like his ponytail, earring, jean jacket, charming irreverence and guitar-slinging reputation.
But there was depth in those watery blue eyes. He told me once, "The day after Jesse was killed I said I owe it to him to do something. When you look at the reason he died - there's no reason. I took it on myself to make a reason - maybe save some lives, save a few kids. I'm certainly not one to sit in a corner and wallow in my own pity."
Chuck was an exceptionally bright guy who listened without prejudice. He always gave it his all. So many people have anecdotal stories about Chuck, but one that sticks in my mind is from Dan Loney, an old buddy of Chuck's. They played together in the Surrey Men's Rec Hockey League. Chuck played defence, and Loney earned the name "Red line Loney" for his blistering slapshots. One game, Loney came roaring down the ice and was bearing down on the opposing goalie when Chuck skated up. Chuck puffed himself up, formed a big T with his arms and put himself in between Loney and the goalie, his eyes wide as saucers.
Loney could have unleashed destruction upon him, but Chuck stood his ice, protecting his goalie come what may.
"He wasn't moving," Loney recalled. "I wound up and thought, I can't do this to Chuck."
"I couldn't. I didn't have the heart to."
This is the kind of effect Chuck had on people. He was driven, but also an innocent. He meant no one harm and did no one harm. It should be noted that in politics he never was partisan. For him, getting elected was simply a means to an end. He wanted to change legislation that, being the caring and cogent person he was, was a serious affront to him. Basically it was as simple as that.
Last Tuesday, Dona phoned me and asked me to write Chuck's biography. I told her and Chuck that I'd be honoured. He told me there wasn't much time. I'm admittedly freaked out by the task. I mean, I have to do justice by this guy. And what a life_
Unfortunately, it ended far quicker than anyone imagined. We scrambled to try and get some memoirs down. On Saturday I phoned Dona at 9:30 a.m. to see how he was and she said not good, and that maybe 1 p.m. would be a better time to interview him.
I threw my guitar in the trunk, thinking to play him some soothing tunes. But when I got there, he'd already died. I burbled to his daughter, Jodi, about having brought the guitar along and there she was, consoling me on their front steps.
That's the daughter they raised.
After winning as an Independent in the last federal election in Surrey North, Chuck was sitting in a quiet corner at the Central City Brew Pub in Whalley. With tears welling up in his eyes, he recalled receiving a letter from someone who said Jesse would be proud of him for what he's accomplished.
"It'd be nice to have him here," Chuck mused.
Chuck said this past week that his only regret in life is he didn't get to play with his kids on stage. At Jesse's funeral in 1992, he said "Jesse's on the road, doing a gig in rock-and-roll heaven. He'll be jamming forever."
Now Chuck's pain is gone and I imagine he's jamming with Jesse now, in perfect time.
Be at peace, Chuck, and give our regards to Hendrix.
Thank you Chuck Cadman for your dedication, honesty, integrity and willingness to listen and represent your constituents.
I have been involved in politics for over 30 years and few politicians have shown the leadership skills and dedication that you have for Surrey. You have made a difference and it was a real privilege and honour to be involved in your last election campaigns.
When you got out of your sick bed to go to Ottawa to make your last vote count, I was impressed that you had more than four polls conducted for your riding to make sure you knew how the voters wanted to be represented. Some were disappointed that you didn't vote to defeat the federal Liberals but you were unselfish and truly represented your constituents. You truly are a rare and exceptional individual.
Thank you for holding the line and having the backbone to make tough decisions.You should be nominated for the "citizen of the year" for Surrey as many individuals and youth can look up to you for the way you lived your public life and your leadership.
Thank you to Dona and Jodi, your family, for having shared you with the public. May God bless you and encourage others to follow in your footsteps. I will truly miss the next election because you would have won and would have been the only individual ever to have been elected two consecutive elections back-to-back as an independent in Canada.
I've always viewed Chuck Cadman as a voice for victims' rights, justice and political reform. So some time ago I wrote about Chuck being the first politician that I ever voted for.
Being 35 years old, you'd think I would have voted for someone or something at least once in my life. Nope. Never came across a political party or politician that I thought deserved my vote.
Sure, there are some interesting people in politics, but I never felt that down-to-Earth integrity that a politician should have in order to deserve my vote.
Being someone who's been in a unionized, high-tech, and now small business owner environment, I was of no political allegiance. I was always interested in politics but it wasn't until I thought our political process was being demeaned that I decided to vote for the very first time.
I felt empowered knowing Chuck Cadman was going to be an Independent politician and actually speak for his constituents.
With our divided government I was concerned Mr. Cadman would waver and start to tow a political philosophy and I'd be silenced. I desperately wanted my little insignificant voice to be heard and I entrusted that Mr.Cadman would express it.
I pointed out how important his voice might be. It turned out his voice was not only for every North Surrey resident but for every Canadian as well.
He was a fine example of diplomacy and of what being Canadian is all about. My sincere condolences to the Cadman family.
What made Chuck Cadman extraordinary was the fact that he was ordinary," just a regular guy who listened, who talked, who was never presumptuous or pompous.
Chuck was a friend, a confidant, someone who I could talk to, who got things done quietly and effectively. Chuck was a tireless advocate. Since the murder of his son Jesse he fought for justice system reforms. And since his election to the House of Commons in 1997, he was fighting for the people of Surrey-North.
If there was ever a political pinnacle to aspire to, it was the way Chuck handled his office, his role and his power. He was always ready to listen and to talk, always prepared to act on behalf of those who elected him. He achieved many things for Surrey, for his constituents, and for Canada.
His voice and his presence will be missed in Surrey and throughout Canada. However, the greatest loss to our country's political scene will be the integrity he lived by.
Chuck Cadman was what everyone in politics should aspire to be - a man of integrity who worked hard to represent the wishes of his constituents. He will be sorely missed, but long remembered, by all of us.
On behalf of all my constituents, I offer heartfelt condolences to his family on the passing of this honourable man who gave so much to our community and to our nation.
I was greatly saddened to hear of Chuck Cadman's untimely death. We have lost a truly good friend and a brave crusader. Even through his illness, he did not stop working for the people he was elected to represent.
In a recent letter to the editor, a writer, in reference to Mr. Cadman, said he should never have trusted a man with a ponytail."
I meant to respond to the stupidity of this comment, but upon reflection, feel now that idiocy does not deserve the attention a response would provide. I hope that man has since recognized that a person's value has nothing to do with their hairstyle. Obviously Mr. Cadman had more strength of character and passion for the causes he fought for, than some people were willing to see.
I often meant to pick up the phone and ask for a meeting with Mr. Cadman. That chance is gone forever, and I deeply regret never having made that call. We would be fortunate indeed to find someone whose feet could even begin to fill his shoes.
My heart goes out to his family and friends. This country and the people of Surrey are mourning with them.
We are saddened by the passing of Chuck Cadman MP for Surrey-North.
Chuck was a good and decent man who fought a long illness with cheerful dignity.
Chuck came into federal politics to bring about changes to the youth justice system, changes that Conservatives remain committed to today.
On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, my wife Laureen and I offer our sincere condolences and our prayers to his wife Dona and his family and friends.
Praise for Chuck Cadman is very well deserved. As a father, Chuck withstood an absolutely devastating loss. The murder of his son Jesse was incomprehensible and more than enough to destroy the will and spirit of any parent.
Yet, Chuck and his wife Dona pulled through in a powerful way. Founding the group CRY - Crime Responsibility and Youth - was an impressive reaction to the horrible event that changed their lives. Then, building on that strong action, Chuck entered federal politics and the country took note of this highly dedicated Canadian. His enormously important anti-crime messages were passionately delivered. They were also appropriate in every way.
Chuck Cadman was always working to make this country a better place. Though his death is a very sad final note, his life should be remembered with the utmost of respect. I hope Canadians will let this serve as a superb example for all of us.
Chuck's ability to inspire positive change should encourage all citizens to ensure that his anti-violence messages endure.
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