OTTAWA — Nigel Wright, who served as chief of staff to former prime minister Stephen Harper, has died at 62, according to Onyx Corporation, where he worked for most of his adult life.

Wright worked for Harper from 2010 to 2013 and found himself ensnared in a Senate expense scandal when it was revealed that he had personally re-paid $90,000 in expense claims to Mike Duffy, a Conservative senator at the time.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our cherished colleague and friend, Nigel,” said Bobby Le Blanc, the president and CEO of Onyx Corporation in a statement. “He was the consummate gentleman who set the standard for professionalism.

Tributes to Wright were quick to pour in on social media, including from several Harper veterans.

Senior Harper policy advisor Ken Boessenkool called Wright’s passing “a stunning and massive loss.”

“Nigel Wright was one of Canada’s most selfless individuals. He contributed mightily to Candian conservatism, mostly quietly, always modestly,” wrote Boessenkool

Former Harper spokesman Dimitri Soudas said that Wright was the “hardest working person” he’d ever known.

“(F)irst one in, last one out … His sharp mind and unwavering dedication left a mark on all of us who had the privilege to work alongside him,” wrote Soudas.

Brian Dijkema, head of public policy think tank Cardus, said that Wright was “self-giving to a fault” and lauded him for “using his time for the common good.”

More to come.

National Post

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