Thousands of people are expected to gather on Sunday (Dec. 15) for the provincial state memorial service for former premier John Horgan.
The service will be held at the Q Centre in Colwood, which is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Horgan's family, friends and Greater Victoria residents will pay their respects alongside a number of dignitaries including MLA for Langford-Highlands Ravi Parmar, Premier David Eby and Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin.
For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/live/TDdSwnZ-p_0
In the days and weeks following his death in November, tributes poured in from across Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among the many folks who took time to reflect on Horgan's significant contribution to politics.
And it was no different in his home town of Langford, where he is affectionately known as 'John from Langford'.
MLA Parmar created a space in his office for residents to come and share their memories of the former premier and sign a book of condolences.
“He is the most remarkable individual I've ever met my entire life, one of a kind,” said Parmar, who described Horgan as a close friend and mentor.
While in local online groups, support swelled for an idea to name the new university, currently under construction on Goldstream Avenue, the 'John Horgan University of Langford'.
"Without his support we wouldn't have that university here," said former Langford mayor Stew Young, who proposed the idea.
Among the many tributes, one of the most poignant came from the Victoria Shamrocks, Horgan’s favourite lacrosse team.
“For a little lacrosse team like us, to have a high-profile public figure like that, who was so passionate about our team, it was a real gift to us and one that we really, really treasured,” said Chris Welch, general manager.
Horgan served as B.C.'s 36th premier from July 2017 to November 2022. He was appointed as Canada’s ambassador to Germany last year.
He died on Nov. 12 after announcing in June he was on leave from his diplomatic post after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
In lieu of flowers, Horgan's family have asked people to consider donating to the Goldstream Food Bank or a food bank of their choice.
A book of condolences is available online and will remain available to sign until Monday, Dec. 16: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/protocol/in-memoriam
