Burnaby politicians are paying tribute to the death of former British Columbia premier John Horgan on Tuesday (Nov. 12) after a battle with thyroid cancer.

Horgan, 65, died yesterday at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, surrounded by loved ones in his final days, according to his family.

He served as premier of British Columbia for five years before resigning in November 2022.

Horgan, who had previously survived a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2021 and bladder cancer in 2008, had remained convinced that he would “live long and prosper”, using the Vulcan salute and phrase made popular in the 1960s television series Star Trek.

Burnaby Center MP Anne Kang, who served as citizen services minister under Horgan, said in a Facebook post that she had lost a great friend and the province had lost a great leader.

“British Columbia has lost a great leader and I have lost a great friend,” Kang wrote.

“I will always cherish the wonderful memories of us together.

“John will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you, John Horgan, for all you have done for our province and the impact you have had on my life.”

Burnaby North MP Janet Routledge also shared her memories of Horgan on Facebook, sharing a video of Horgan excitedly trying out her knee scooter after breaking her ankle.

“I mourn the loss of former Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan. John was truly the people’s Prime Minister,” his message read.

“He had a remarkable ability to connect and make people feel valued and appreciated, regardless of their social status. At the heart of his legacy are government policies that promote equality and ensure that no one is left behind. I want to honor his memory by continuing to support and expand the transformative policies we initiated under his leadership.

“But here is the mischievous and fun human prime minister I will remember. I had broken my ankle badly the first summer after being elected. By the time we held our first caucus retreat in early fall, I I had switched to a knee scooter. When John came into the room, he looked at me, looked at my knee scooter, and I knew he just had to try it.

Burnaby-New Westminster MLA Raj Chouhan also posted on Facebook, saying Horgan was an “outstanding leader.”

“Today we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader, the former Premier of British Columbia. We had been friends and colleagues for almost 20 years. His legacy of service, compassion and dedication to our province will inspire us forever. his life building a stronger, fairer British Columbia, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.

“My deepest condolences go out to his family: Ellie, his boys and his other loved ones during this difficult time. Let us honor his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about: creating a British Columbia that uplifts everyone. Rest in peace. ”

Former Burnaby-Lougheed MP Katrina Chen said it’s hard to believe Horgan is gone, thanking him for transforming “a lot of people’s” lives as well as his own.

“Hard to believe you’re gone John,” Chen posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“You have done so much to transform the lives of many, including mine – and those of countless families who have benefited from the @10aDayPlan. Thank you… You will be greatly missed.”

It’s hard to believe you’re gone John. You have done so much to transform the lives of many people, including mine, as well as those of countless families who have benefited from the @10aDayPlan. Thank you… We will miss you very much. https://t.co/BkZu7eHYyk

– Kᴀᴛʀɪɴᴀ Cʜᴇɴ (陳葦蓁） (@KatrinaCHome) November 12, 2024

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said flags at city hall were lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect for Horgan.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Premier John Horgan. He was a champion of our province and a compassionate leader who treated everyone with respect and kindness,” Hurley said in a statement.

“On a personal level, I am grateful to have had the chance to work with Premier Horgan and to have formed a wonderful friendship. John’s leadership was an integral part of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project — an incredible legacy that will greatly improve the lives of countless people. British Columbians for generations to come.

“On behalf of the entire Burnaby community, we extend our deepest condolences to the Horgan family and their many friends during this difficult time.”

Federal NDP Leader and Burnaby South MP Jagmeet Singh said he was heartbroken to lose Horgan.

“He was an incredible leader and dear friend – a pillar of our movement – ​​who made life better for workers,” Singh wrote on X.

“John always put the needs of others first.

“I’m heartbroken to lose him.

“Rest in peace my friend.”

With files from Cindy E. Harnett, Colonist of time

He was an incredible leader and dear friend – a pillar of our movement – ​​who improved the lives of working people.

John always put the needs of others first.

I am heartbroken to lose him.

Rest in peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/cXwcyoSz7o

– Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) November 12, 2024