FORMER Chilliwack MLA Dan Coulter passed away in hospital. He was 49.

BC NDP Provincial Director Heather Stoutenburg and President Aaron Sumexheltza said in a statement on Friday: “As past Chair of the Chilliwack School Board and President of CUPE 3787, and later as the MLA for Chilliwack, the Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility, and Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit, Dan always championed the underdog. He worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities or circumstances, could participate fully in our communities and share in the opportunities of a fairer BC.

“To those of us who knew him, Dan was so much more than a colleague — he was a friend and a mentor. He was smart, funny, thoughtful and honest. But above all things, he was kind.

“On behalf of the BC NDP, we extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He was the very best of us.”

They said a private service will be held on Saturday. A local public service will be held in Chilliwack on January 11. Instead of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association, Chilliwack Bowls of Hope Society, and the BC SPCA.

In a joint statement, the BC Building Trades and the BC Federation of Labour said they send their deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Dan Coulter.

They added: “This is a painful loss both personally and for our movement.

“Dan was not only a friend to the labour movement in BC, he was one of us. A millwright by trade and the former president of CUPE 3787, Dan never forgot where he came from. As an MLA, he always put the needs of working people front and centre.

“He was a courageous defender of human rights and justice, and an effective, visionary leader in advancing accessibility and inclusion. Dan believed strongly in the right of every worker to a safe workplace.

“Dan was dedicated to improving the lives of workers and all British Columbians and we are grateful to have called him a friend and colleague. He always showed up to fight the good fight with warmth, kindness and compassion. Dan Coulter will be badly missed.”

Coulter had been appointed the new provincial director of the BC NDP after he lost his seat in the October election.