Highway to be renamed after former N.L. premier and educator Beaton Tulk
Tulk’s family say it’s an honour he deserved for his life of service
A stretch of highway connecting Musgrave Harbour and Carmanville is being renamed after a provincial politician and former Newfoundland and Labrador premier.
Premier Andrew Furey announced Tuesday morning that Route 330 is being renamed the Beaton Tulk Highway, a day before the late politician would have celebrated his 80th birthday.
"Today we are here to honour a strong force in the political landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador, and a dear friend of mine," said Furey.
Tulk ran the government for four months — from October 2000 to February 2001 — while the Liberal party underwent a leadership campaign after then premier Brian Tobin left office to return to federal politics. Roger Grimes defeated John Efford and Paul Dicks to become the next premier.
Tulk resigned from his seat in 2002 to make an unsuccessful bid at federal politics during a byelection and, after returning to provincial politics, lost his seat to the PC candidate.
"His dedication and commitment to our province was evident on so many fronts," said Furey.
He cited Tulk's decades-long commitment to politics and education as ways Tulk left a mark on the province. Tulk died in 2019 at the age of 75 after a lengthy fight with prostate cancer.
Life dedicated to service
Tulk's daughter Christine Tulk said having a road named after her father means a great deal to their family.
"I don't even have words to say how much it means to us," she said.
His wife, Dora Tulk, said when she drives by the new highway sign for the first time it will bring a smile to her face. He left a lasting impression on the province through his career as an educator as well.
"I was so thrilled because he's done so much for his province, not only Ladle Cove and out in his district, but all over the island," she said.
Dora Tulk said her husband remained passionate about politics all his life. Not long before he died, she said, he was sitting up in bed with pen and paper, figuring out which way districts would turn in the 2019 provincial election.
She said she planned to mark what would have been her husband's 80th birthday by going to Musgravetown and spending the day with her daughter.
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With files from Terry Roberts