Former BC minister and MLA Ed Conroy passes away at 73
By Castlegar Source
Former BC Minister and Kootenay MLA Ed Conroy passed away Friday at the age of 73 of natural causes.
“It is with a heavy heart we learned of the passing of our dear friend Ed Conroy, ” said New Democrat BC Government Caucus Chair Jagrup Brar. “Ed gave so much to the province of British Columbia, and did so with kindness at every step.
“Our entire New Democrat caucus sends our condolences and love to Ed’s wife Katrine, and their whole family.”
Ed Conroy served as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for BC and the Minister Responsible for Rural Development from 2000 to 2001. He was first elected to the BC Legislature as the NDP MLA for Rossland-Trail in 1991, and was re-elected in 1996.
Since 2005, Ed’s wife Katrine Conroy has served as the NDP MLA for the renamed constituency (West Kootenay Boundary and Kootenay West), and is currently the Minister for Children and Family Development.
In addition to serving as a Minister and MLA, Ed Conroy was a towboat operator, School Trustee, School Board Vice-Chair, and along with Corky Evans helped create the Columbia Basin Trust.
Ed lived with his wife Katrine in Pass Creek where they ran a ranch breeding prize-winning Polled Hereford cattle.
He is survived by his wife, four children, their spouses, nine Grandchildren and a large extended family.
Premier John Horgan isued the following statement: “I’m deeply saddened to learn of Ed Conroy’s passing. I’ve known Ed for 30 years and had the honour of working with him during his time as an MLA and then as a minister.
“Ed was a truly kind and decent man. He’ll be greatly missed by his all those who knew him. My thoughts and support are with his wife, my friend and colleague Katrine Conroy, and their extraordinary family.”
