Nigel Wright, RIP

KINSELLA COLUMN
by Warren Kinsella

Nigel Wright and I belonged to opposing political parties. We had differing views about politics. We didn’t move in the same circles.

And, full disclosure: my ex-wife was Wright’s partner for many years. They met in the office of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Nigel and I didn’t socialize, me being a hardcore Alberta Liberal, and him being a hardcore Ontario Conservative. We weren’t friends, per se.

So, I did not ask my wife-to-be much about him. But, eventually, I learned a few things. A picture emerged.

Nigel Wright was adopted and brought up in a loving, good family. His parents were not wealthy, and Wright worked very hard for everything he got. He was a deeply religious Anglican who, for a time, contemplated the priesthood.

He devoted himself to his studies and charitable causes, his faith and — almost as much — the Conservative party.

As a young man, Wright conquered Bay St. – as a lawyer, as a dealmaker. He even became a millionaire at a very young age. But blue Tory blood ran through his veins — and there are only a handful of unelected people in this country who gave as much to conservative causes. Fundraising, policy, organization: Nigel Wright did it all.

He was successful, he was physically fit, he was – as far as I know – exceedingly happy and healthy.  Which is what makes his sudden death Tuesday such a terrible shock.  It is a huge loss for his party, for his employer Onex, and for the country.

Said Gerry Schwartz, Onex’s chairman and Nigel’s mentor: “Nigel was a remarkably astute investor, an outstanding leader and an even more exceptional individual. His professional and personal achievements may seem at odds with a man who was so humble and selfless with his time and resources. His passing is a loss not just for Onex but for anyone who had the privilege to know him.”

Nigel worked in Ottawa as Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Chief of Staff, where he was admired widely – including by those of us on the other side of the aisle.  He left Ottawa, as so many of us do, disappointed by what we experienced there.  So, he returned to Onex and the private sector and flourished.

He should be remembered for what he achieved on the Hill – not for anything else. The last time we spoke, that is what I said to him. He thanked me.

Nigel Wright was one of those names you hear about – one of the political and business advisors who does not seek the limelight, and who does so much good, selflessly.

Nigel Wright did good.  He was a good and decent man. And the country is diminished by this terrible and sad loss.