Saskatchewan’s lieutenant-governor, W. Thomas Molloy, died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was 78.

Molloy, who was born in Saskatoon, started his duties as lieutenant-governor on March 21, 2018. In May of this year, he stepped away from the job to receive treatment.

“Krista and I are saddened by the news of the passing of our Lieutenant Governor,” Premier Scott Moe said in a media release. “On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and people of our province, I offer my sincere condolences to Mr. Molloy’s family, and to the many that called him a friend.

“His Honour had a lasting impact on our province and nation in his five decades of dedicated service. His many contributions to the betterment of our country leaves a tremendous legacy that I hope provides his family with some comfort in this time of grief.”

Molloy, who was a lawyer and author, worked on a number of projects for the betterment of Indigenous peoples, including the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the Nisga’a Final Agreement in British Columbia. His work led to his investiture as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, and as a Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2012.

He served as chancellor of the University of Saskatchewan from 2001 to 2007, and was chancellor emeritus.

Books of condolence can be signed at Government House, in the lobby of the Legislative Building in Regina and at City Hall in Saskatoon starting Wednesday. Online condolences can be sent through the official website of the lieutenant-governor’s office (www.ltgov.sk.ca).

Flags on all Government of Saskatchewan buildings will be lowered to half-mast and will remain there until sunset on the day of the funeral or memorial service. Arrangements are still pending.