Flying Phil looks good in bronze

Monday’s unveiling of the statue of Flying Phil was an emotional occasion for Bob Gaglardi and his daughter Andrea, who both came up from Vancouver for the event.

It was gratifying to see so many people attend, but especially important that members of the former highways minister’s family were there. Bob was scheduled to speak but asked Andrea to take his place, and she did a great job of expressing the family’s love and respect for her grandfather — the controversial little man who did so much for Kamloops and the province.

It also provided a reunion opportunity, as Lee Morris of Tourism Kamloops was there — Andrea and Lee were roomies in their younger days.

Former MLA Claude Richmond, who knew Phil Gaglardi well, was there too, and happened to have a copy of his new booklet on the Rube Band with him, so he provided me one.

As for me, I very much enjoyed the opportunity to speak at this occasion, which brings a sort of closure to the quest for an appropriate way to honour our most famous politician.

Reaction to the statue seems very positive, and the unveiling and reception created a venue to the retelling of many stories about Phil.

It seems like a very short time ago that I called Ken Endean and asked him to take on the project, but it was more than four years ago. Ken later turned over chairmanship of the Friends of Phil Gaglardi to Doug Scott, but continued (as did I) to be a director of the society that raised the money for the project.

As I drive past Gaglardi Square each morning now, I glance over at Flying Phil posed in full oratorical flight, and I have to say, he’s looking pretty good.