Vernon's mayor remembers former B.C. Premier John Horgan as a man whose leadership "helped guide us through challenging times."

Horgan died Tuesday, Nov. 12, at age 65 after a battle with cancer.

"Mr. Horgan was a leader who prioritized the well-being of all British Columbians, and worked tirelessly to build a province that values compassion, inclusivity, and resilience," said Victor Cumming in a statement released late Tuesday. "His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations."

Horgan was at the provincial helm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu was first elected to provincial politics in 2020 in the same NDP party with Horgan as leader. Sandhu said on social media she was heartbroken and deeply saddened over the loss of the man called 'Premier Dad,' because of his caring and supportive nature.

"Today, our province lost a remarkable leader, and we in the BC NDP lost a dear friend and mentor," said Sandhu. "John Horgan dedicated his life to public service, fighting for working class, he was always focused to make life better for people,and to the principles of fairness, compassion, and integrity.

Fighting for people wasn鈥檛 something John did, it was who he was. As the MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca, the leader of our party, and as Premier of B.C., John never wavered from his commitment to make life better for everyday British Columbians. He made people feel so special and important, he connected with people from all ages.

He genuinely loved the people of our province, and connected with people from all walks of life and with people from all political stripes."

Premier David Eby said Horgan's achievements are "too numerous to mention, but those achievements as premier will be felt for years and generations to come."

"He was a consequential premier at a critical time in our history," said Eby. "He encouraged all of us to strive to be our better selves."