The passing of a giant in British Columbia's political world.
Former B-C premier Dave Barrett has died after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
A statement from Premier John Horgan's office says the former NDP premier died Friday in Victoria.
In part, it reads: "His visionary leadership and unflinching commitment to the well-being of ordinary people around the province led to lasting change that shaped our province for the better.
His sense of humour and ability to command a room with his oratory was legendary. First and foremost, I will always remember his commitment to working for regular people."
Dave Barrett was 87.
His son Dan says, "He cared deeply about his province and devoted much of his life to trying to make it a better and fairer place to live. His love of the province was surpassed only by his devotion to his family.'
Elizabeth May, the Federal Green Party leader and MP for Saanich, calls Dave Barrett a wonderful British Columbian.
"He did so much for us, I think regardless of political stripe, I hope all of us recognize he was great man, he left us with quite a legacy,' says May.
Barrett was first elected to the B.C. legislature in 1960.
The former social worker from Vancouver became known as the champion of the little guy.
CFAX morning show host Al Ferraby interviewed Dave Barrett a dozen years ago, asking him what he remembers about August 30, 1972, the day he toppled Bill Bennett's government, ending 20 years of rule by the Social Credit Party.
Dave quipped, 'I recall winning the election.'
Barrett went on to say his strategy during that campaign was to focus on rural communities over urban, as was more common then.
It led to BC's first NDP government.
Barrett's government initiated several reforms while in power, including lowering the drinking age to 19, and creating the Insurance Corporation of B.C.
In all, he was elected eight times as a provincial member of the legislature.
Dave Barrett was awarded the Order of B.C. in 2012.
To listen to Al Ferraby's full interview with former B-C Premier Dave Barrett, click here