Thousands lined the sidewalk outside ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 Q Centre Arena, patiently waiting to pay their final respects to John Horgan.
From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, B.C. Premier David Eby, to dignitaries, long-time friends, loved ones, and Greater Victoria residents, many came to pledge their last goodbyes to the man affectionately nicknamed 'John from Langford', on Dec. 15.
When the doors of the arena opened shortly after 11 a.m., attendees slowly made their way inside, as the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Tearful eyes, fogged glasses, and bittersweet, yet warm smiles were visible on many faces.
Among the crowd was Randal Macnair, a long-time politician, conservationist and former mayor of Fernie.
Having crossed paths with Horgan numerous times, Macnair fondly remembered a man whose leadership was rooted in kindness and empathy.
B次元官网网址淗e came out B次元官网网址� a number of times out in the Kootenays and he was out on the street with people,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭hat's something people remember and why he was appreciated beyond just [New] Democrats. He was universally liked B次元官网网址� by folks across the political spectrum. He's somebody who had and will continue to have a lot of respect.B次元官网网址�
Regardless of oneB次元官网网址檚 status, background, or political affiliation, the former mayor described Horgan as a man of the people, ready to lend an ear to anyone who wished to speak.
B次元官网网址淵ou felt that when you talked to John, you had his complete attention and he understood,B次元官网网址� said Macnair. B次元官网网址淗e focused on you and what your needs were. The fact that he cared was so genuinely conveyed and he would talk to anybody at any time.
B次元官网网址淪ome politicians would kind of rush along, but John would sit there, give somebody a hug and that's what really made him so rare.B次元官网网址�
A few metres away, a man in a long black trenchcoat walked past Macnair. Speechwriter Rob Cottingham, who has long-time ties to the B.C. NDP, fondly recalled working with Horgan.
B次元官网网址淚 admired him greatly as a political leader,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淗e provided leadership and a vision for what we could accomplish together and B次元官网网址� emerge stronger.B次元官网网址�
Echoing similar praises as Macnair, Cottingham described Horgan as an everyday man always present for his constituents.
B次元官网网址淗e was somebody who wanted to make a difference and B次元官网网址� take a lot of different interests into account in the process,B次元官网网址� he said.
Although politics can be a tough arena, Cottingham revealed that the former premier had a sharp sense of humour, always ready to lift the spirits of those around him.
B次元官网网址淗e was never above pranks and having a little fun, banging on the windows of his office as people would walk by and bugging to brighten [their day],B次元官网网址� said Cottingham. B次元官网网址淚t's a very high-pressure job, but he never lost sight of the fact that he was a human being and everybody else around him was a human being too.B次元官网网址�
Accompanied by his daughter, development manager Rohan Rupf shared that his history with Horgan began 17 years ago, as the two worked together to expand the West Shore, the area both called home.
B次元官网网址淗e [was] a good leader in the community, very actively involved and looking to work on both sides of the aisle B次元官网网址� and I've been so thrilled to work with him,B次元官网网址� he said.
Having nothing but praise for the man, Rupf remembers the former politician as B次元官网网址渟omeone who brings out the best in the people,B次元官网网址� which he witnessed firsthand at a large meeting discussing education in the region.
B次元官网网址淓veryone was coming up with a vision and he listened B次元官网网址� and then he very succinctly said, B次元官网网址楬ow about this,B次元官网网址� he wrote it out and it was on cue,B次元官网网址� said Rupf. B次元官网网址淗e was a brilliant B次元官网网址� man. The guy impressed me a lot.B次元官网网址�
Moments before the memorial began, federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh arrived after an early morning flight from Ottawa. He shared a 2019 rally anecdote, recalling how Horgan, despite health concerns, insisted on joining him for his address in Victoria.
B次元官网网址淚t gave us such a huge boost seeing him jump with us together on stage,B次元官网网址� said Singh. B次元官网网址淸He threw] caution to the wind because he believed in the greater movement.
Singh described Horgan as a B次元官网网址榮traight upB次元官网网址� mensch, who shaped the province during his tenure.
B次元官网网址淧eople trusted him,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淗e was focused on people and making their lives better.
B次元官网网址淗e really showed B次元官网网址� that government can be a force of good [and] he delivered concrete things that measurably improved people's lives.B次元官网网址�
As the federal NDP leader shook hands with nearby MLAs and dignitaries, HorganB次元官网网址檚 sister-in-law Marlene and nephew Connor Mast travelled from St. Catharines, Ont., to bid their last farewell.
B次元官网网址淗e was just a wonderful man, so kind, very humble and just an amazing man,B次元官网网址� Marlene said.
B次元官网网址淓very time we were with him, he always loved to have us throw on the Canucks jersey,B次元官网网址� Connor added as tears pooled behind his glasses.
A few minutes before the ceremony began, Saanich resident Steve Wendl stood quietly in a back corner of the arena with his wife, there to pay tribute to a man he deeply respects.
B次元官网网址淚 liked the way he ran and he conducted himself,B次元官网网址� he said loaded with emotions. B次元官网网址淗e was honest, did the job he had to do and he helped get us through COVID. He didn't mince words B次元官网网址� and that's what you want to hear. You canB次元官网网址檛 ask for more.B次元官网网址�
