Former cabinet minister John Efford dead at 77

Former Newfoundland and Labradorprovincial and federal politician John Effordhas died. He was 77.

In a statement, Efford's family said he diedin hospital in Carbonearon Sunday.

"Dad was a proud and passionate Newfoundlander who deeply loved this province and its people.He always wore his heart on his sleeve," daughterJackiesaid in the statement.

"His many years of public service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians was second to none."

Effordsat in Newfoundland and Labrador'sHouse of Assembly from 1985 to 2001 as the MHA for Port de Grave.

He ran for the provincial Liberal leadership in 2001, losing to Roger Grimes by just 14 votes.

Effordmoved on to federal politics andwas elected to the House of Commons as an MP in 2002.

He served in the Liberal government for the next three years, with part of his time in office spent as the minister of natural resources, including when Newfoundland and Labrador reached a new agreement with the federal government on the Atlantic Accord in 2005.

Efford retired from politics in 2006 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017.

He went public with his diagnosis in aninterview with CBC News two years later in hopes of raising awareness of the disease andrallying for more research and scientific advances.

Premier Andrew Furey offered his condolences Sunday, calling Efford "a force."

"Without a doubt, John was one of Newfoundland and Labrador's most recognizable and colourful figures, inside and outside the political arena," Furey said in a statement.

"I am glad to have called John a friend and send condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the provincial government."

The province will said it will fly flags at all government buildings at half-mast from sunrise to sunset until Efford's funeral.

Pam Parsons, MHA for Efford's former seat in the Harbour Grace-Port de Grave district, said Effordwasalways by her side, supporting her.

"John Efford was a pioneer and a leader out here in this region, and across our province, ultimately. But he was also a family friend," she said.

In a statement, former prime minister Paul Martin said he was saddened to learn of his former cabinet minister's death.

"John had a remarkable political career in Ottawa and in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a passionate advocate for his constituents, for the province he loved, for its fishing industry as wellas the communities that depend on it," Martin said.

"He never shied away from any challenge in his years as a provincial and federal advocate and faced them all with resolve and kindness. He was an extraordinary public servant, a cherishedcolleague and a friend."

Former premier Danny Williams remembered Efford'sdedication to Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I had a deep admiration for his absolute commitment to serving the people of our province," Williams said in a statement.

"His love for Newfoundland and Labrador and for those he represented was unwavering, and a testament to what it is to be a public servant. His legacy will certainly be a lasting one."

Efford's family has askedfor privacy. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador