A moment in the Commons for Mario Laguë

During Tuesday's members' statements, ahead of the sound and fury often signifying nothing that is the daily question period, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff rose to pay tribute to a "great Canadian, a husband, a father, a colleague and a friend."

Mario Laguë, Ignatieff told the Commons, was "Quebecois and Canadian, a man of vitality, charm and energy.

When Laguë cheered for the Montreal Canadiens, Ignatieff recalled, one could hear him three houses down.

"Mario Laguë was proud to have been an ambassador of Canada, a public servant, an adviser to prime ministers, but he was proudest of his family: Caroline, Arianne and Clara, we thank them for sharing Mario with us," he said.

"Today, we pause and reflect in this chamber. In the public life of our country there is a void where a boisterous, courageous and funny man once stood. Au revoir, Mario. We miss you."

As Ignatieff took his seat to applause, Conservative MP Royal Galipeau stood, and praised Laguë as a "well-informed communicator, whose legacy includes devoted service to his country."

Galipeau offered his party's condolences to the friends, colleagues and family of Laguë, who "served his country with dedication both in Canada and abroad."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we share their grief," he told the House.