Former premier John Horgan remembered at memorial service for ...

Akshay Kulkarni · CBC News

· Posted: Dec 15, 2024 8:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 37 minutes ago

Former B.C. premier John Horgan was remembered as a loving father and dedicated politician on Sunday afternoon — but also a man whose comic timing and collaborative spirit made for a lasting legacy.

Horgan, who led the B.C. government from 2017 to 2022, died on Nov. 12 at the age of 65 after three battles with cancer. 

The service was held at the Q Centre in Colwood, B.C., just southeast of Horgan's home community of Langford on southern Vancouver Island.

Those who spoke at the service recalled Horgan's love of sports and Star Trek, and his wry sense of humour. He had served as an MLA since 2005, and was appointed the ambassador to Germany in November 2023 after his premiership ended.

Many speakers, including Horgan's son Evan, shared a series of comedic anecdotes from the former premier.

Evan told the gathering how his dad would take the time to play with his kids after long days at work, and how he remained a family man with his wife Ellie and his second son Nate even while he was a premier and ambassador.

In his final weeks, Horgan had imagined around 80 to 100 people would show up at his memorial, Evan said. But thousands of people came to the Q Centre — home of Horgan's beloved Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse team.

"I don't think that he ever imagined anything like this," Evan said. "I don't think he or us really ever truly understood the scope and reach of his influence."

Horgan's provincial state memorial service was led by Rev. Dr. Keith Howard. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, all of whom spoke at the gathering.

Austin said Horgan's "litany of groan-worthy dad jokes" endeared him to much of B.C. during his premiership.

"I loved his kindness and the good intention he brought to his work and to his interactions with everyone," she told the service. "Despite his many contributions and accomplishments, he remained remarkably without ego."

Trudeau shared an anecdote where Horgan was at a meeting with the federal government, having butted heads with them over the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

When someone spilled a glass of water, Horgan was quick to say, "Spills happen." And when Trudeau said someone would clean it up, Horgan then swiftly added, "That's an area of federal responsibility."

"That was John. Quick-witted. Brilliant. But unflinching in his values and beliefs," Trudeau recounted.

WATCH | Trudeau remembers Horgan: 

The NDP stalwart's passing was mourned across the political spectrum, and the province announced the public would be able to sign a book of condolences starting Nov. 14 until the day after his memorial service.

Horgan was first elected to the B.C. Legislature in 2005 and became leader of the NDP in 2014, representing Langford throughout.

He would often ride the bus to the Legislature, and would introduce himself as "John from Langford," even during his premiership.

WATCH | Horgan's towering personal legacy: 

A series of current and former NDP politicians, including current Langford-Juan de Fuca MLA Ravi Parmar, were at the memorial.

Parmar said he first met Horgan at school two decades ago, and credited him with inspiring him to run for politics.

"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for John," he told CBC News.

Horgan garnered a strong legacy as a leader who could work across the political aisle.

Politically, the former premier's legacy will be defined by bringing the B.C. NDP two terms in power and passing a range of affordability policies amid the spiking cost of living and several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of major flooding and wildfire disasters.

Eby — who took over after Horgan stepped down in 2022 — spoke about how his predecessor often believed in him as a rookie politician.

"He didn't believe in parties. And in a time of of strong, strong politicized partisanship around the world, John was always welcoming," Eby said. "He was always willing to work with people, and he was always prepared to create space for people who made mistakes."

WATCH | Eby remembers Horgan: 

Carole James, another former leader of the B.C. NDP and Horgan's longtime friend, told the gathering that Horgan was open to ideas, wherever they came from, and was able to collaborate across political stripes.

She shared how his connection with people took root, and why she described him as the "people's premier" who helped the public see politicians in a different light.

In one anecdote, James described the time Horgan swore on the floor of the Legislature in 2022, when he muttered, 'ah, f--k' after a heated Question Period.

"The next day I was out on my early morning walk and I can't tell you the number of people who stopped me to see how great it was that John said what he said," James said, laughing. "They agreed with him — 'Could you please tell John to keep it up?'"

James said Horgan assumed many roles over the course of his life, but "John was always John."

"Rest well dear friend. You'll always be loved and remembered," she said. "Thank you for making our province a better place."