VICTORIA — 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 from his diplomatic post after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Horgan's family issued a statement on social media saying he died peacefully Tuesday morning at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.
"The well-being of British Columbia and everyone in it was everything to him. He was surrounded by family and friends and love in his final days." Horgan is survived by his wife Ellie, and sons Evan and Nate.
Premier David Eby issued a statement saying the news of Horgan's passing leaves him with a heavy heart. "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," Eby said.
"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.
" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was saddened to learn of Horgan's passing, a man who "tirelessly advocated for workers." “John was a firm believer in the ideals of public service. He saw it as a privil.