Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai Has Passed Away

NewsSpencerFernando

The well-respect Member of Parliament was 69 years old.

Deepak Obhrai, one of the most well-respected Members of Parliament, has passed away at the age of 69.

Obhrai was a long-time Conservative MP, and represented the riding of Calgary Forest Lawn. He was the Dean of the Conservative Caucus, as the MP in the party with the most years in the House of Commons.

About a month ago, Obhrai had been diagnosed with liver cancer. He passed away surrounded by his family.

His passing was revealed in a message released by his family:

Canadians across the political spectrum shared their condolences:

“Jill and I were heartbroken this morning to learn of @deepakobhrai‘s passing. Deepak was a source of warmth, wisdom, kindness and good humour in Canada’s conservative movement for decades and will be missed tremendously by all his colleagues. My statement:”

“Jill and I were heartbroken this morning to learn of Deepak Obhrai’s passing. Deepak fought a brief but courageous battle against cancer and passed away last night in Calgary with his family by his side.

Deepak was the longest-serving Conservative Member of Parliament, having been elected first as a Reform MP for Calgary-East in the 1997 election and then serving in a range of roles – both in opposition and in government – as a Canadian Alliance and then Conservative MP. He was always a champion for his riding and fought hard for his constituents. His decades of hard work to advance the conservative movement and ultimately strengthen Canada will not be forgotten.

Deepak was a constant source of joy inside the Conservative caucus. He brightened every room he walked into and often injected warmth, kindness, and good humour into our deliberations. I know I speak on behalf of my Conservative colleagues when I say that he will be missed tremendously.

Personally, I will always have fond memories of the time we spent together during the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race. In addition to the laughs and good memories we all shared on the campaign trail, his campaign was a testament to his strong beliefs in freedom, prosperity, and inclusiveness. He was the first Hindu ever elected to the House of Commons.

My prayers are with Deepak’s wife Neena and their children and grandchildren during this time.”

“We had a lot of fun together, especially during the leadership campaign. You will be missed by all.

Rest in peace my friend.”

“Laureen and I are profoundly saddened to learn of the sudden death of our dear friend, Deepak Obhrai. Deepak’s legacy is his life-long commitment to Canada, which he served with energy and distinction wherever he went at home or abroad. Neena and his family are in our prayers.”

“Our parliamentary family is mourning a great colleague and friend today. Deepak Obhrai dedicated himself to serving his constituents with utmost integrity, and we will miss him dearly. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Neena, his children, grandkids, and loved ones.”

“Very sad news on the passing of our friend Deepak Obhrai. We had such fun together on the leadership. He used to call us the “Irish” candidates: O’Toole & O’Bhrai. Much loved he will be missed by all.”

“Very saddened to hear about the passing of Deepak Obhrai, MP for Calgary Forest Lawn and Dean of the Conservative Caucus. My condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones during this difficult time.”

In June of this year, a video recapping Obhrai’s 22 years in Parliament was shared:

All of our thoughts are with Obhrai’s family and friends. From how people are responding to his passing, it’s clear that his death truly is a big loss for our country.

Spencer Fernando