A former Conservative Party of B.C. president was the victim of a fatal car crash in Maple Ridge last Friday.
The party confirmed Wednesday that Darryl Seres succumbed to his injuries.
Seres was preparing to run in the Boundary-Similkameen riding for the upcoming provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 19.
“Darryl was among the first to welcome me into the Conservative Party of British Columbia,” said leader John Rustad in a statement. “His positivity was infectious and he saw the very best in people. Darryl truly believed in British Columbians’ potential and his passion for our politics was unmatched. He was a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.”
The 39-year-old Abbotsford resident was driving a Pontiac Sunfire the evening of Jan. 5. Emergency crews were called to the scene of the head-on crash at the Haney Bypass near 227th Street around 7:30 p.m. Paramedics declared Seres dead at the scene, according to Ridge Meadows RCMP. The crash is under investigation.
Seres tragically lost his father, Arpad “Bill” Seres, on Dec. 14 to a lengthy illness. He is survived by mother Lynn and brother Warren.
Party co-executive directors Angelo Isidorou and Connor Gibson called Seres a “mentor, volunteer and friend” and announced the creation of an annual award in his name to the most-dedicated party volunteers.
Past-president Ryan Warawa, who succeeded Seres, fondly remembers camping with Seres in Osoyoos on Labour Day weekend in 2020.
“He thought that we were going into a snap election and I was like, ‘No way, Horgan’s not going to call a snap election,’” Warawa said, referring to former premier John Horgan. “Turns out he was right, because less than a month later…”
Seres garnered 2,354 votes for third place. The BC NDP’s Roly Russell won the seat.
Warawa said Seres was eager to run this year, as the party is enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
“We’re finally going somewhere and so it breaks my heart that Darryl is not going to be there when we start electing multiple MLAs in the next election. We’re confident and even more engaged to fulfill and honour Darryl now.”
