Former Calgary MLA of 20 years, Moe Amery, dies at 69

Moe Amery, a longtime Calgary MLA, died Thursday at the age of 69.

His son, current Justice Minister Mickey Amery, mourned his loss in a post on X, saying he, “touched so many people over his lifetime” and that he was a “pioneer in so many ways.”

انا الله و انا إليه راجعون

“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return”

It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that I announce the passing of my father, Mohammed (Moe) Amery, who passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family.

There are few… pic.twitter.com/yjWXnh0tTQ

— Mickey Amery (@mickeyamery) October 19, 2023

“His legacy will long be remembered and his guidance, steadfastness and courage are attributes that were unparalleled by anyone I know,” the justice minister’s post reads.

“While he achieved so much during his lifetime, I know that he was most proud of his family and we are all eternally grateful for everything he did for us. His love for his family, his friends and his community were fundamental in everything that he did.”

Amery was born in Lebanon in 1954 and moved to Canada in 1974. He began serving in Calgary-East with the Progressive Conservative Party in 1993.

However, before he jumped into politics, he spent time in the community as a local realtor.

Many people reacted to the loss of Amery, including current and former UCP and NDP MLAs, former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Liberal MP George Chahal, and more.

Inna lillahi wa Inna ilayhi raji'un. Moe was a dedicated public servant and community leader who embodied a life of seva — selfless service. He was always very kind to me personally and helped me as I transitioned into a public role. I am deeply grateful for him. Love to family. https://t.co/f41w1vTxC0

— Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) October 19, 2023

Mickey, your dad will be greatly missed by all his former Alberta Legislature colleagues.
I had the honour of serving with your dad and being his seat mate. I will always remember our chats and laughs.
Please, pass my condolences onto all your loved ones.#ableg https://t.co/4zX3EGQwfu

— Thomas A. Lukaszuk (@LukaszukAB) October 19, 2023

So sorry for your loss @mickeyamery. I saw first hand what a great contributor your Dad was to Alberta and to democracy while I was legislature bureau chief. #ableg https://t.co/Jcrzpegyef

— Joan Crockatt (@Crockatteer) October 19, 2023

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

— Irfan Sabir (@MLAIrfanSabir) October 19, 2023

My sincere condolences. Your dad was a great man and I enjoyed getting to know him over the years. May the memories you have of him bring you and your family comfort as you mourn his loss.

— Josh Traptow (@jtraptow) October 19, 2023

I am very sorry for your loss, Mickey. Your father meant a great deal to so many people, including me and my family. My thoughts are with your family.

— George Chahal (@ChahalGeorge) October 19, 2023

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith praised Amery as a “dedicated Albertan who served our province faithfully as a member of the Legislative Assembly.”

My deepest condolences to you and your family, Mickey, as you grieve the loss of your dear father.

Moe Amery was a dedicated Albertan who served our Province faithfully as a member of the Legislative Assembly. We pay tribute to his enduring legacy. https://t.co/sj9cBEBZmM

— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) October 19, 2023

“We pay tribute to his enduring legacy,” she said.

In Amery’s political career which lasted over 20 years, he sponsored the Wildlife Amendment Act, a bill that created a committee to make recommendations on the designation of endangered and threatened species, and he advocated for rent control during the Ed Stelmach era in 2007 and 2008.

His cause of death is unknown.