Thursday November 14, 2024 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
City of Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson came to leadership for the City of Langford around the time that John Horgan stepped back from being Premier of the Province of BC.
That was November 2022.
Two years later, John Horgan has now passed away after dealing with cancer for a third time. Horgan died two days ago, November 12, 2024, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. He was 65.
Yet Goodmanson’s thoughts on remembering ‘John from Langford’ (as the former Premier had said he’d hoped people would call him after his time in political office), are indicative of the impact that Horgan had on residents in his riding of Langford-Juan de Fuca, and beyond.
City staff in tears:
“I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the passing of John Horgan,” said Goodmanson on November 12.
“Though my time getting to know John was brief compared to many others, it was evident from the tears and sorrow across City staff that he had a profound impact on City Hall,” said Goodmanson.
Chatted at the retail check-out:
“I initially met John many years ago by chance, during an interaction in a cashier line. Despite completing his transaction before me, John waited outside to continue our conversation, which revolved around rowing and Belmont Secondary School.”
“Although I only met John a few more times before entering politics, I never forgot how a relatively new MLA took the time to have a meaningful conversation with a random individual he met in line one day. I mentioned this encounter to him during one of our more recent meetings, and although he could not recall the conversation, he humorously remarked, “Yes, that sounds like me”,” said Goodmanson.
Engaging with people:
“One does not need to be a political leader or involved in politics to understand the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with those around you, regardless of the topic or differing opinions,” said Goodmanson this week.
“John imparted many important insights and valuable lessons during our interactions. However, the most memorable was the one conveyed through a simple discussion in a store lineup almost 20 years ago.”
Importance of Langford city hall:
Seven years ago Premier Horgan showed up at a simple staff award ceremony in City of Langford council chambers.
He remarked to those gathered that much of what Langford had achieved over the years had been decided ‘right here in this very room’, as a nod to the municipal work of then-mayor Stew Young.
Condolences:
“My sympathies and condolences go out to his family, his friends, and all those whom John tirelessly served in the Western Communities and beyond,” says Mayor Goodmanson.
===== RELATED:
- Remembering John from Langford: book of condolences (November 13, 2024)
- Former BC Premier John Horgan has passed away (November 12, 2024)
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