A public memorial honouring the life of the Honourable Deepak Obhrai, the Member of Parliament for Calgary-Forest Lawn took place in Calgary Monday.
Obhrai passed away on Aug. 2 following a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. According to a statement from his family, the 69-year-old was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer in the few weeks prior to his death.
The funeral service was held at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Former prime minister Stephen Harper, current Conservative Party Leader Andrew Scheer, former cabinet ministers John Baird and Peter MacKay, the high commissioner for India Vikas Swarup, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and various community leaders from across Canada spoke at the celebration of life.
Obhrai served as MP in Calgary-Forest Lawn since 1997 and planned to run again in the upcoming federal election later this year.
Stephen Harper noted Obhrai "would have made it eight successful campaigns a few short weeks from now," noting the coming federal election on Oct. 21.
Scheer called Obhrai "the longest serving member of south Asian heritage and the first ever Hindu member of parliament.”
Obhrai's grandson, David Martin, said the two would often discuss politics together, calling it "our favourite thing."
"He was my grandfather," he said. "He was one of the strongest figures there was."
Baird called Obhrai, "a great friend and a great colleague."
"He was hard working, dependable and we're realyl going to miss him," he said.
