1) He was always nice to me and my parents. I remember meeting my Dad in the lobby of MTS Centre for the gold medal game during the Women’s World Hockey Championships. I was a bit late, and found my Dad standing near the doors talking hockey with Mr. Doer. No political talk. Just hockey talk. This past spring my Dad and I were at a United Way event and again we ran into Gary. I introduced my father again and Gary said "Of course, we met at that gold medal game." That’s pretty good. Some people you can meet 100 times before they remember who you are, and I’d imagine Mr. Doer has met more people than most of us combined.

2) Gary Doer is the king of making speeches with no notes. I’ve had to introduce him dozens of times at various events at which he was required to make a speech. Sometimes he’s just walked through the door as he was coming from another gig and basically has to march straight up to the mic before even finding his seat. I’ve never seen him use notes. When you have to be at as many functions as a Premier, you would think sooner or later that without notes you would step to the mic and not really know who you’re speaking to or what you’re speaking about. I’ve never seen it happen. He’s money on the mic.

3) We were at a dinner once at the Delta and were chatting after the main program was done. I mentioned that it was student night at Oktoberfest across the street at the Convention Centre. He said "Let’s go!". So we did. It was a good night. We waited in line for beer like everyone else.

4) He remembered my birthday last year and sent a card and a gift. He became Premier 10 years ago on my birthday and somehow he recalled this info when the date rolled around. I was pretty stoked.

He’s had a good run, and I wish him well.