A long-time contributor to VOCM’s talk shows and a voice familiar to many across the province, has been silenced.

Maurice Budgell of King’s Point passed away on Thursday following complications from cardiac surgery.

Dr. Todd Young shared the sad news on VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly this morning.

Budgell was a loyal Liberal who was not afraid to engage in heated debate on politics and issues facing the province.

Young says Budgell will be missed.

Long-time friend and fellow Liberal Danny Dumaresque was emotional as he outlined Budgell’s contributions to the province and to the party.

He called Budgell a “formidable organizer” who was always there. Dumaresque recalled Budgell’s efforts during the late John Efford’s leadership campaign back in the late 1990s.