I had the opportunity of serving senator mccoy and her husband miles household as mr Pattersons live in caregiver/companion. Through out my entire 2and a half years of employment, i had very wonderful memories of both elaine and miles. I learned a lot about Canadian cooking,canadian politics,arts, and basically about life. They have played an important role in making my canadian dreams possible....thank you both Elaine and miles for the wonderful memories...i am happy thinking that both of you are together again in another world....rest in peace!
I enjoyed Elaine’s company and conversations, she had a warm compassionate heart and a great sense of humour. I recall talking to her about some of my experiences which she could identify with and give me unexpected, but welcome, support and advice.
It has been a great honor to take care of you madam on the last couple of weeks before youre passing. thank you for all the small talks that we have shared. Such a kind hearted woman. May you rest in peace madame.
Elaine was a wonderful person. During the late '80s and '90s, we were partners in promoting women in science and technology, and remained friends ever since. She attended my pancake breakfasts at Stampede time, and I always showed up at her Christmas parties! Elaine was dearly loved and will be missed by me and many others. My deepest sympathy is with her family.
Warm thoughts to the family and friends of Elaine McCoy. She served her community and province well and was a great Canadian. We all are the better for the many experiences we shared with her. Elaine valued friendships and I see comments here from others who were part of her Calgary West constituency team, and like Elaine, were some of the finest people Diana and I had the privilege of working with closely over many years. As others have noted, she and Miles had interests and friendships that crossed all boundaries. The last time I visited with Elaine I was shocked by how frail she appeared but her voice was strong and her mind as always was quick. We reminisced briefly as we always did and then discussed books, and I recall she had about three on the go at that time. Many memories, but above all, I hold close her integrity, intelligence and dedication.
I had the privilege of working with Elaine a few years ago in her capacity as Facilitator (Leader) of the Independent Senators Group (ISG). It was an exciting - and challenging - time in the evolution of the Canadian Senate and she loved being in the middle of it. She worked very hard at it, despite her failing health. Important advances in the functioning and dynamics of a reformed Senate were achieved under her leadership.
But what impressed me the most was her stamina and the energy she put into her work, despite her increasing frailty. She was a fighter for what she believed in but was always open to competing views, in my experience much more than most politicians. She had patience for a lot of things; rigid partisanship was not one of them.
We were unable to communicate with Elaine in her final days which was particularly sad, given the Season. Over the years, my wife and I had hosted her a number of times at our home (where she kept a bottle of her "House Grouse" .... just in case). We will miss her.
Thank you Elaine for your friendship and your service to our province and country. You were one of the most resilient and caring people we knew, and we will miss your optimism and determination.
Elaine McCoy was a very special person and our dear friend. We had the privilege of knowing her since her first campaign for the PC nomination in Calgary West. She had the compassion to fight for society’s marginalized and the wisdom to take on issues, like the environment, long before they were popular. Her Christmas parties were legendary and included old friends and a who’s who of Calgary. We will miss her intelligence, warmth and elegance.