State memorial service for former B.C. premier Dave Barrett to be held in Victoria Saturday, March 3

State memorial service for former B.C. premier Dave Barrett to be held in Victoria Saturday, March 3
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Former BC premier Dave Barrett speaking in the legislature in March 1975/Courtesy Times Colonist archives

Former BC premier Dave Barrett speaking in the legislature in March 1975/Courtesy Times Colonist archives

A state memorial service will be held for former B.C. premier Dave Barrett in Victoria next month.

The service will take place at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 10 a.m.

The public is invited to attend.

The Office of the Premier made the details public on Wednesday.

Barrett, who led the province’s first New Democratic Party government, died on Feb. 2 at the age of 87.

Barrett’s short-lived government from September 1972 to December 1975 carried out reforms at a blistering pace, including the creation of the Agricultural Land Reserve, the public auto insurance corporation ICBC, a provincial ambulance system and Pharmacare. It also brought in full Hansard transcripts of proceedings in the legislature.

Barrett’s son Dan said in a statement his father died after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He said his father cared deeply about the province and that he 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, he added.

Barrett was living in a Victoria care facility in recent years.

A book of condolences is available in Victoria at the Parliament Buildings, located in the Hall of Honour until 2 p.m. on Friday, March 2.

In addition, there is also an online book of condolences available to sign.

All messages will be presented to Barrett’s family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C., the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion or a charity of your choice.

With files from CBC/Canadian Press

Ben O'HaraBen O'Hara

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