REGINA — Saskatchewan legislature members remembered their former friend and colleague Derek Meyers after the 45-year-old died of cancer.
They walked past a memorial of Meyers in the legislature on Tuesday, paying their respects to a man they say was upbeat and personable.
Meyers leaves behind his partner, Laurie, and their three children.
“Derek has been a strong voice for his constituency and the city of Regina, a tireless advocate on behalf of everyone facing mental health challenges and a vital part of our government caucus,” Premier Scott Moe said on social media.
“I am blessed to have known Derek for the short time that I did. We have lost a bright, talented, personable MLA and a young father far too soon.”
Flags at the Saskatchewan legislature were lowered to half-mast.
Meyers represented the constituency of Regina Walsh Acres since his election to the assembly in 2020.
Before entering provincial politics, he attended the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton to study television broadcasting, spending nearly 10 years as a sportscaster at Global News in Regina.
He was then an owner of a small video production service before his election win.
Justice Minister Christine Tell recalled fond memories with Meyers during the 2020 campaign.
“He was just so positive about his work, positive about his life, his family,” Tell said in an interview. “He was someone that could talk to anybody at any time about anything.”
On social media, CJME sportscaster Jamie Nye said he had spent lots of time with Meyers at practices, events, lunches and golf courses.
“He fought so hard. He loved so hard,” Nye wrote on social media. “Now go be (with) your beautiful angel.”
Meyers had strongly advocated to spread awareness about suicide prevention.
On World Suicide Prevention Day last year, he shared his own experience of losing his daughter to suicide and how it’s important to make Saskatchewan a better place for those struggling with their mental health.
"We all have a role to play in supporting our family, friends and our community through difficult times," Meyers said in September. "Please know that you are not alone, that you are loved, that there is hope, and help is there for you in your time of crisis."
Tell said she remembered Meyers going through a tough time after his daughter’s death.
However, she said Meyers was committed to his advocacy and work.
“He was really one of a kind,” she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 28, 2023.
Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press
