Dedicated, funny, family man: Friends and colleagues remember MHA Derrick Bragg
The people who knew the late Derrick Bragg say he is gone far too soon, but they smile recounting what he was like — inside and outside political life.
"When he came into a room, like, he owned the room. He was a ball of laughs," said New-Wes-Valley Mayor Michael Tiller.
But his devotion to his family was second to none, Tiller told CBC News.
"That I think is above all what Derrick Bragg was — was a strong family man."
Derrick Bragg, a former MHA and cabinet minister, died Monday, just months after announcing he'd been diagnosed with tongue cancer. He was 59.
WATCH | Hard-working. Hilarious. Heart of gold. This is what people remember about Derrick Bragg:
Bob Graner of Greenspond, who knew Bragg for many years, said he can take a small comfort that Bragg's dedication and commitment were known.
"It's pretty incredible that a small-town boy, I suppose, can have the flags lowered half-mast on all provincial and federal buildings in Newfoundland," said Graner.
"So he left his mark somewhere on somebody. That's usually set aside for — well maybe, I was going to say — higher dignitaries, but you can't get much higher than what Derrick was."
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