Former Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Conservative MP Robert Sopuck died at the age of 73, last week, his family confirmed in a statement.

Sopuck’s family “were shocked by the sudden, but peaceful passing of Robert on Oct. 23”, the statement read.

Sopuck became the area MP in 2010 in a byelection to replace Inky Mark, who stepped down to run for mayor of Dauphin.

He was re-elected in  2011 and 2015 before retiring from politics in 2019.

“Robert led a full life, rich in experience, love, challenges and accomplishments,” the statement read.

“He made major contributions to land, water and wildlife conservation locally and nationally; along the way he mentored many young people who, in various ways, have picked up the torch for issues and challenges that mattered to him; he was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather to family members who knew how much they were loved by him, and now keenly feel his untimely passing.”

Former prime minister Stephen Harper, who Sopuck served on the Standing Committee for Environment and Sustainable Devel-opment, as well as the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans paid tribute to Sopuck on X.

“He championed Ukraine’s sovereignty, chaired the Hunting and Angling Caucus, and worked tirelessly for the people of Western Manitoba,” Harper said.

“Bob is in our prayers this evening as we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

In a news release Friday, Manitoba Prog-ressive Conservative Leader Wayne Ewasko called Sopuck a champion for rural Manitoba and a mentor to many in the legislature.

A celebration of life for Sopuck will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Sandy Lake Community Hall.