Longtime B.C. political insider Bob Williams dead at 91

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Bob Williams, a former B.C. NDP cabinet minister who left a large imprint on the province, has died at the age of 91.

On Sunday, a post on Williams’ Facebook page confirmed the news. It read:

“Dear Friends: after a long illness our friend Bob Williams, 91, passed away at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver today. Concluding a famously bold and vigorous public life, Bob’s departure was entirely peaceful.

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“There will be a public memorial service in about sixty days. His brother David Williams will announce its details here.

“Bob lived a remarkable life and was responsible for many important works. He was to the end grateful for your collaboration and support, collegiality and friendship.”

Williams was born in Vancouver in 1933 and went on to study at UBC. He became the most powerful cabinet minister in B.C.’s first NDP government in the 1970s and also served as a city planner (Delta), city councillor (Vancouver), Crown corporation overseer (ICBC), credit union board member (Vancity Savings) and private sector entrepreneur (the Railway Club).

Williams was also instrumental in forming the agricultural land reserve, Robson Square, Whistler, Surrey Central, B.C. Housing and the SeaBus.

The self-styled “socialist who believes in free enterprise” was said to be one of the most polarizing figures in B.C. politics from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Williams also authored a personal memoir in 2022 titled ‘Using Power Well: Bob Wlliams and the Making of British Columbia.’

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Following news of Williams’ death, political colleagues — including B.C. Premier David Eby — took to social media to commemorate the man.

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