New Democrats and progressive Canadians from coast to coast to coast are saddened by the loss of our friend, Gordon Brigden. 
Gord passed away at age 84 this week, after a long illness.  And while we take a moment to share our sadness, Gord himself would be the first to say it’s time to get back to work building a better Canada.

It would be impossible to list every way that Gordon was invaluable to the NDP – and the CCF before it.  All of Canada owes him a great debt, however, for his managing of famous 1969 by-election in Nanaimo-Cowichan-The Islands which sent Tommy Douglas back to Parliament.

It was Gord’s ability to teach and inspire that will be remembered most by the generations of organizers and activists that came after him.  His enthusiasm and humour made people go the extra mile. He lifted spirits when they needed lifting, made people laugh when laughter was needed, and always treated trainees and younger activists as his equals.

As Ed Broadbent said in a message to Gord’s friends over the weekend, Gord was “committed, frank, and fearless to the end”. 

Gord Brigden was a true champion of social democracy. Our best tribute to his memory is to continue his work, while remembering his laughter and his joy in battle.