John Nuraney, B.C.’s first elected Muslim MLA dies; Clark pays tribute

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The 79-year-old immigrated to Canada in 1974 after the government in Zaire — now the Republic of Congo — nationalized businesses and expelled foreigners.

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Premier Christy Clark says in a statement that Nuraney was a mentor and a friend, and the Ismaili community has lost one of its most respected leaders.

“No matter the interaction, John Nuraney dealt with people in a way that made them feel important and honoured,” said Clark. “He was a man who epitomized traits we don’t often hear used anymore: class, grace, and principled.”

Nuraney worked in the insurance industry in Kenya, London and Zurich before moving to Zaire in the late 1960s where he recorded, produced and distributed Zairian music.

He immigrated to Canada in 1974, working in the insurance, real estate and restaurant businesses, owning several A&W franchises in Metro Vancouver.

Nuraney spoke six languages: English, French, Swahili, Lingala, Hindi and Gujarati.

He and his wife had three children.