"I feel it is important in a meaningful way to be there for their millionth step as they enter their teenage years as it was to see their first step," he said.

Valeriote said he realized around May or June of this year that he would have to step down. He discussed the situation with Justin Trudeau, gave it more thought over the summer and at the end of September informed the Liberal leader's chief of staff of his decision.

He added that he waited to announce his decision to the community so as not to overshadow the October municipal election or Remembrance Day.

Friends and political rivals who could be reached Friday had only kind words to say about the Liberal MP.

Valeriote and former Guelph Conservative candidate Marty Burke were staunch opponents in the 2011 federal election campaign but Burke said he wishes the best for Valeriote and can understand his decision.

"Although we are implacable political adversaries, I have complete empathy for Frank's decision to step down," Burke wrote in an email.

Burke wrote that as an airline pilot he often has layovers in Ottawa, where he sees firsthand how difficult life can be for a member of Parliament.

"I don't think the general public realizes what a cold, harsh life it can be," he wrote.

"I thank Mr. Valeriote for his time serving Guelph and wish him the best in the future."

Lloyd Longfield, former president of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, also praised Valeriote's service to Guelph.

"I would just say he's done a wonderful job," he said. "It's a loss for Guelph if he's not going to be continuing on, but you also have to look after your family. Another thing about Frank is that he's such an open person. You can understand that he would have to make this move."

Longfield added that Valeriote's successor will be the latest in a series of new leaders in the Royal City.

"We've got a lot of changes in Guelph. We've got a new mayor, we've got hopefully an incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce soon, and we've got a new police chief," he said.

"With change comes opportunity. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here."

There has been speculation online about Longfield being interested in entering politics. On Friday, he said he couldn't comment on whether he'd be interested in the Liberal nomination.

Valeriote said he would provide advice to the Liberal Party about possible successors to "carry the torch."

"There are a number of people that are out there and I'm going to let them come forward at their leisure and control," he said.

Guelph Federal Liberal Electoral District Association president Cal Rowles said people interested in running as the Liberal candidate can fill out a nomination package from the Liberal Party of Canada.

"Once we have one or more green-lighted candidates the party will call a nomination meeting," Rowles said.

Marva Wisdom, who ran against Valeriote for the Liberal nomination in 2007, said she does not have any plans to run for nomination "at this time."

"Maybe down the line. But right now, no," she said.

Wendy Powell, who also ran for the Liberal nomination in 2007, was surprised to learn Valeriote was stepping down when contacted Friday.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency employee said she was contemplating a run for the nomination in Kitchener, even though she is a resident of Guelph. Now that Valeriote will be gone she is "going to have to consider that fully and completely and I would probably change my nomination to Guelph," she said.

As for Valeriote's future plans, he said he may return to his old law firm SmithValeriote LLP.

"I'll probably make my way over there at some point and see if there's a spot. And, if not there, elsewhere."

Valeriote added he plans to continue international aid work and is chairman of an organization called Missionary Ventures Canada, which has plans to build a school in the East African nation of South Sudan.

Valeriote said he will continue his work on issues close to his heart, such as advocating on behalf of "fair treatment" for veterans, suicide prevention, elder abuse and the environment.

Asked if he would ever consider entering municipal politics, he said he's learned to "never say never."

"I never dreamed I would run to be a member of Parliament," he said. "I can't anticipate what's around the corner."

mwarren@guelphmercury.com