Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies aged 65

His personality was dynamic.

“Voters from the entire spectrum obviously were drawn to and appreciated as well,” says Chris Beach, Political Science Instructor from CNC. I think his governing style, there’s a reason that he’s the only NDP premier to get elected to two consecutive terms. Two terms, actually. Because he had that appeal.”

Former MLA Shirley Bond stood across the aisle from Horgan for many years and it was a very adversarial relationship. But she remembers one event outside of the Legislature that she holds dear.

“I can remember when the Spruce Kings were on their incredible run. John and I appeared in the same arena on opposite sides, cheering for opposite teams. And the great news for me is that the Spruce King swept that series and I was able to stand in the legislature and give Premier Horrigan a pretty hard time about that. People don’t see that side of the story.”

Horgan served five terms as a member of the provincial legislature, and resigned his suburban Victoria seat in March 2023, citing cancer.

“I was there for his farewell speech in the legislature. I will never forget that day,” recalls Bond. “And I remember getting up from the opposition benches, crossing the floor. John and I had a big hug that was captured in a photograph. And it’s one of the things that I will always remember about my time in the legislature was his his farewell speech and the respect that he gave to me when I found myself in the position of being Leader of the Opposition.”

And while Horgan was dynamic in leadership style, he was not a showboat. And that was evidenced during one of the toughest of political challenges: COVID.

“During COVID, it was much more of a team approach,’ says Beach. “He had Dr. Bonnie Henry, He had Minister[Adrian] Dix in the Health Ministry, and, you know, he wasn’t someone that was looking to kind of steal the limelight. It wasn’t the John Horgan Show, it was the NDP government and he happened to be premier.”

And knowing Horgan as she did, Bond says she remembers another passion of his.

“John Horgan was probably the biggest Star Wars fan that exists certainly in British Columbia. And I can say with utmost certainty that if John were here today, I know exactly what he would say. He would say live long and prosper.”

Indeed.

Ambassador to Germany and former British Columbia premier John Horgan has died at the age of 65, after his third bout with cancer.
Horgan served as B.C.’s New Democrat premier for five years before stepping down in 2022, then was appointed ambassador last year.
But in June, Horgan announced he was on leave after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the passing of John Horgan:

“The news of John Horgan’s passing this morning in Victoria leaves us with heavy hearts. John loved this province and its people. He sought to address injustice wherever he saw it – using his time in office to help build a better, stronger British Columbia for everyone.

“His many accomplishments as premier will be felt for years and generations to come. His achievements are too numerous to mention, but he was a consequential premier at a critical time in our history. He encouraged all of us to strive to be our better selves.

“We share our sadness and grief with his beloved wife, Ellie, with whom he shared 45 years of adventure. It was not time enough. Ellie is in our thoughts and prayers, as are his sons Evan and Nate, the rest of his family and his many, many friends.

“The flag at the Parliament Buildings will be lowered to half-mast in honour of John Horgan, and opportunities for British Columbians to offer their condolences will be shared with the public. We will be working with John’s family and the office of protocol to announce the timing of services to mark the passing of John Horgan.”

by Canadian Press

Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies aged 65

What's Trending