Long-time Calgary MP Deepak Obhrai dies after brief battle with liver cancer
Posted August 3, 2019 10:42 am.
Last Updated August 3, 2019 3:04 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Calgary Forest Lawn Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai has died at the age of 69.
His family has issued a statement on his Twitter account saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Obhrai had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.
Please see below: pic.twitter.com/xKU2zBx8yv
— Hon Deepak Obhrai PC (@deepakobhrai) August 3, 2019
The statement offering thanks to the doctors and nurses at Calgary’s south health campus for the exceptional care he was given in his final days.
Obhrai was first elected in 1997 under the Reform Party banner and was the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Stephen Harper’s cabinet.
Devastated to learn that our dear friend @deepakobhrai has passed away. A great Canadian and a great friend…he contributed so much to parliament and our country…our love and thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/btUGguF1YY
— John Baird (@Baird) August 3, 2019
He also ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party, but lost out to Andrew Scheer.
The Indian High Commissioner to Canada tweeted he was devastated to hear the news and calling Obhrai a staunch friend of India.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden, unexpected passing of my close friend & former colleague @deepakobhrai.
Deepest condolences to his wife Neena, daughters Priti & Kaajal, son Aman, son-in-law Robin Martin, grandson Davin & granddaughter Evasha.https://t.co/f0LxEpOoZ2 pic.twitter.com/OONKEDfEXY
— Jason Kenney (@jkenney) August 3, 2019
Even Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressing his sadness, saying Deepak was a champion of human rights around the world, and his legacy will live on.
I’m very sad to learn that longtime Conservative MP @deepakobhrai has passed away. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the entire @CPC_HQ caucus and staff. His was a champion of human rights around the world and his legacy will live on for years to come. #cdnpoli
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 3, 2019