The province has lost one of its most famous political figures. John Crosbie has died at the age of 88.

Crosbie will be remembered for many things, but perhaps the defining moment of his long political career came on July 2, 1992 when he announced the closure of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cod fishery.

“To Newfoundland and Labrador and to Canada, he was an independent spirit, a passionate nation builder, an orator of biting wit and charm, and always – forever – a tireless fighter for the people.” – From the family’s release

At the time, furious fishermen tried to break down the doors at the Delta Hotel where Crosbie outlined details of the cod moratorium and the compensation package for more than 20,000 people removed from the historic fishery.

Crosbie was unapologetic, stating he was “making a decision based on the desire to ensure the Northern Cod survives as a species.”

The Early Years

Controversy seemed to follow Crosbie throughout his career in office. Not long after finishing law school, he took a seat on St. John’s city council.

Crosbie jumped to provincial politics in 1966 when he was appointed to cabinet by then-Premier Joey Smallwood.

Crosbie and Smallwood clashed, so he mounted an effort to oust Joey from power by running for the Liberal leadership. The bid failed and ultimately led Crosbie to leave the party and join the PCs, where he served as a cabinet minister under Frank Moores.

In 1976 Crosbie made the move to federal politics, running in St. John’s West—a seat he held until his retirement in 1993. During his time in Ottawa, he held multiple cabinet portfolios under Prime Ministers Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney.

Pass the Tequila, Sheila

On the National scene, Crosbie became well known for what many viewed as politically incorrect statements that—on many occasions—landed him in hot water.

Perhaps his most notorious quip came during a speech in British Columbia, where Crosbie referenced political opponent Sheila Copps by quoting the song lyrics “pass me the tequila, Sheila, and lie down and love me again.”

Unaware that his speech was being recorded, the quote made national headlines, underlining a political feud between Copps and Crosbie which both later admitted led to a longtime friendship.

A Dream to Lead

In 1983, four years after Crosbie delivered a federal budget that resulted in the demise of the Joe Clarke government, Crosbie took a run at the federal PC leadership. His campaign had momentum until he was questioned about his inability to speak French.

“Well I can’t talk to the Chinese people in their own language, either,” he told national media.

Again, Crosbie made no apologies.

Later, on the convention floor he gave what many consider his best speech, proclaiming “I have met and overcome many challenges in my lifetime and it will be a pleasure,” attempting to repeat the phrase in French, “un pleasure… to overcome this challenge.”

During that moment Crosbie raised both fists in the air as if to flex his muscles. That image later became the cover picture on his memoir, No Holds Barred.

Crosbie lost the leadership race to Brian Mulroney, but went on to serve in the federal cabinet. He helped negotiate the Atlantic Accord and deals that brought forth the oil industry from its infancy.

From 2008 to 2013 Crosbie served as this province’s Lieutenant Governor. During his time in that post he continued to raise eyebrows with his colourful commentary.

Later in life, Crosbie joked that when he started out in politics he feared public speaking, but had perhaps grown to like the attention so much that it often got him in trouble.

“To Jane, he was the love of her life, as she was his. To us as kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, he was simply dad, granddad, great-granddad – our bedrock of support.” – From the family’s release

Crosbie is survived by his wife Jane, sons Ches and Michael and daughter Beth.

Crosbie would have celebrated his 89th birthday on January 30.