A local businessman whose father was close friends with the late Rex Murphy says Murphy’s passing leaves another void in the public expression of thought and opinion.

Murphy, a former politician, and long time commentator, columnist and broadcaster, passed away this week at the age of 77.

Murphy used his intellect and skill to skewer established norms and challenge thought and debate.

John Steele’s father Harry was a close friend of Rex Murphy’s and the two men spoke daily, sometimes several times a day.

Murphy was not afraid to court controversy, especially in later years when he challenged views on things like climate change.

Whether you agreed or not, Steele told Tim Powers on VOCM, voices like Murphy’s are needed.

“Ideas have to be debated,” says Steele, “and we need that so much in this country. We can’t make things personal, we have to debate the ideas so that this country continues to grow, and can be stronger in the future.”

Steele believes “it doesn’t matter where you are on the political spectrum, everything has to be debated and talked out.”