Ross Fitzpatrick Tribute Dinner

Senator Ross Fitzpatrick is being honoured Saturday night at a gala in Kelowna.

Born and raised in the Okanagan, he retired this year after 10 years in a senate seat.

Fitzpatrick tells us his family is keeping him in the dark about some of the details of the event.

"I know I have to attend and I do know some very good friends of mine are going to be here, so I'm really looking forward to it.  But I guess they want to keep the suspense up or something - they're not telling me everything."

Senator Fitzpatrick was appointed to the Senate by long-time friend former Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Fitzpatrick says they are still very close:

"We spend quite a lot of time together .  This September we're going to travel to Italy together with our wives.  So, the friendship continues.  It's been over 40 years."

Chretien will make a speech at the tribute dinner Saturday night.

Denise Wong - Astral Media Radio News (Kelowna)