Much ink will be spilled in the coming days to describe Canada’s sixth longest serving prime minister, Stephen Harper. My reflections on having served with him in Parliament and as a member of his cabinet are of course biased but also very personal.

Our early interactions were guarded, but gave way to a common cause and mutual respect.

His leadership in unifying the Conservative movement after more than a decade of bitter internecine political civil war was transformative for Canadian politics.

It was at times a difficult period for us both and there was much to overcome.

I was proud to work with him to restore a competitive democracy in our country delivering balance and true choice for voters.

Upon forming government as PM in 2006 his singular focus on reining in waste and corruption in the aftermath of the Liberal sponsorship scandal set us on a clear course.

Smaller, more efficient government was a laudable goal not fully realized and a mistrust of bureaucracy was ever present.

Notable was his stewardship through the recession that allowed Canada to emerge better placed than any other G7 country. This was no small accomplishment. He governed like an economist with steely determination aided by the late, great finance minister, Jim Flaherty, to reach a balanced budget prior to the last election.

I witnessed a style steeped in pragmatism and a deep sense of commitment to building a better, more united Canada.

Complex like Canada itself, Harper was never one to seek the limelight, yet was comfortable and confident in what he believed to be the right course. It takes talent and grit to be PM, tough decisions must be made against a tide of criticism.

He lowered taxes over 180 times to help working Canadians; ended the failed long-gun registry; toughened the laws against gun crimes and violent offenders; took away the wheat pool monopoly; and boosted our Armed Forces budget to record levels.

His pursuit of world attention on the need to improve maternal health often goes unnoticed, but he pushed other world leaders hard to achieve consensus and action on this important matter.

He loved the North and an annual trip he cherished brought out a passion and a deep appreciation of our country’s vast and diverse land.

Having travelled with him, sat in countless meetings and observed him from a privileged vantage point, I can say his work ethic was legendary. He read incessantly, pressed ministers and bureaucrats on the material presented after reading every word. He held the respect of world leaders and spoke with a principle and clarity, often rare at international gatherings.

Harper much preferred substance to style but had a flair for music and an encyclopedic memory for politics, history, sport and movie trivia.

Sometimes impatient due to a desire to simply get things done, fiercely partisan but equally patriotic.

Stubborn and sometimes unyielding to be sure, but surprisingly open behind the scenes to good ideas if presented well and argued with logic over emotion.

On occasion, I also saw another side. He was the first to visit my wife and I at the hospital after the birth of our son. While often accused of being “stiff” he had a side seldom revealed that belied that public image. He was more compassionate and light-hearted than he cared to show.

He has a soft spot for animals, something he shared with his wife and daughter. Charlie the Chinchilla, among the cats, was a favourite. His sense of humour and ability to imitate voices often had the caucus in stitches. This much more human side was perhaps only revealed to those “on the inside” who he trusted.

His love for family and a deep commitment to public service define the man I worked with.

During my six years at Defence I also recognized his deep affection and appreciation for our Canadian Forces, veterans and their families.

His commitment to them never wavered. Afghanistan and its toll affected him deeply. He knew that soldiers defined past and present greatness for Canada.

A driven man of many talents and pursuits, it’s with gratitude I say that I am certain Canada is better for Stephen Harper’s public service and time as prime minister.

Peter MacKay is a partner at Baker Mckenzie and a former MP and Conservative Cabinet Minister.