VICTORIA — British Columbia's first Muslim elected to the provincial legislature has died.
John Nuraney served two terms as a Liberal member of the legislature in the riding of Burnaby-Willingdon.
John Nuraney was a truly honourable man, a mentor and a friend. My thoughts go out to his family-he will be missed. https://t.co/asPObdhKVL
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) November 21, 2016
The Kenyan-born business leader was first elected in 2001 as a member of the Liberal government of former premier Gordon Campbell.
Nuraney was re-elected in 2005, but lost his seat in 2009 to New Democrat Kathy Corrigan in the Burnaby-Deer Lake riding.
Remembering my friend John Nuraney and sending love and condolences to his family. RIP John #gonetoosoon
— Dr. Hedy Fry (@HedyFry) November 21, 2016
The 79-year-old immigrated to Canada in 1974 after the government in Zaire — now the Republic of Congo — nationalized businesses and expelled foreigners.
Premier Christy Clark says in a statement that Nuraney was a mentor and a friend, and the Ismaili community has lost one of its most respected leaders.
John Nuraney was a wonderful man and Canadian patriot. It was a joy to work with him on campaigns that spanned 3 decades. RIP my friend.
— Bruce Young (@BruceRYoung) November 21, 2016
"No matter the interaction, John Nuraney dealt with people in a way that made them feel important and honoured," said Clark. "He was a man who epitomized traits we don't often hear used anymore: class, grace, and principled."
Nuraney worked in the insurance industry in Kenya, London and Zurich before moving to Zaire in the late 1960s where he recorded, produced and distributed Zairian music.
He immigrated to Canada in 1974, working in the insurance, real estate and restaurant businesses, owning several A&W franchises in Metro Vancouver.
Nuraney spoke six languages: English, French, Swahili, Lingala, Hindi and Gujarati.
He and his wife had three children.
