VANCOUVER - Premier Gordon Campbell issued the following statement following the passing of Jack Poole:

"British Columbia and Canada have lost a great friend.

"In the life of British Columbia and Canada, few citizens reflect the generosity of spirit, the commitment to the public good and the undying dedication to public well-being that was exemplified by Jack Poole. His was
an example of leadership, strength and integrity that is unmatched in my recollection.

"Jack Poole always considered it an honour to be asked to serve, whether it was in the interests of better health research and the care that followed, the provision of affordable accommodation to working families of the
province or our province's quest for an exemplary Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. He encouraged others to excel and took pleasure in the success of his colleagues, his friend and his community.

"I have known Jack Poole for 40 years and beyond his strength of spirit, his sense of humour and his friendship I know of few others who have contributed so much by their personal example.

"Jack Poole revelled in helping other reach their goals and he was always willing to give a hand while asking nothing in return.

"The last eight years Jack dedicated his life to giving British Columbia and Canada an Olympic Games that would remind Canadians of the greatness of their country, the power of their passion and commitment and most importantly, the importance of asking everyone to be part of the team that has taken on this great endeavour.

"Each of us face choices about how we will spend our lives. Jack chose to spend his honouring what was best in all of us, encouraging others to do well and to help others to reach for their aspirations.

"We shall not see his like again, but in honour of his memory we can each strive to follow his example. In doing so we will make not just ourselves better people, but we will make our province and our country better places
for all of us.

"On Thursday the Olympic Flame was lit in Olympia Greece. Jack saw that and as I talked to him on Thursday night, just hours before his passing, he took great pride in the achievements of the team that he led and inspired. He was the embodiment of the Olympic spirit that others have talked about but that he lived.

"All British Columbians are grateful to Darlene Poole and all of Jack's family for the unselfish gift of Jack's time to all of us. Our prayers are with them."