The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands:

Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a true pioneer of Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector, Richard Oram of Wooddale, who passed away on May 25.

Speaker, Dick was known by all for his strong work ethic and unwavering devotion to his family. He worked with the Provincial Government as an Agricultural Representative for 35 years and helped lead and shape Newfoundland and Labrador’s cranberry industry.

In 2017, he was inducted into the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime of work.

Dick and his beloved wife Arlene established a farm in Woodale and founded the very popular “Mark’s Market.” Over the last 15 years, he and his son Chris have worked together to continue growing their family business.

Speaker, Dick’s colleagues will remember him for his commitment to expanding our province’s agriculture sector. We know at this sad time, his family is remembering him for his strength, courage and dedication to those he loved.

Our condolences to Arlene, their children, Mark, Nancy, and Chris, their grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

On behalf of the Provincial Government, we thank Richard Oram for his dedication to our province and to the sector he held so dear.

Thank you.