A founder of the Crocus Investment Fund and an architect of much of the former Tory government's economic development policies has died.

Michael Bessey, who was vice-president of corporate development and operations at Crocus, died on Sunday from melanoma. He was 43.

Eric Stefanson, a former Tory minister in the Filmon government, called Bessey "an amazing young man.

"He had a high level of energy and high level of enthusiasm. He made a significant mark in government in Manitoba. During his time there, if there was a major economic issue, Michael was there."

Stefanson said he worked closely with Bessey while the man was his acting deputy minister of industry.

While Bessey was a senior civil servant, he was involved in the sale of Crown corporations like ManFor in The Pas and Manitoba Data Services. He also worked with now Crocus chief executive officer Sherman Kreiner to finalize the structure of tax credits and how labour-sponsored venture capital funds would work in the province.

Bessey joined Crocus as an employee only last year.

"We've lost a very good friend of the people and province of Manitoba," Stefanson said.

James Umlah, Crocus' president and chief investment officer, said "we are all saddened to lose a colleague.

"We are all grateful for Michael's vision as a senior member of the Filmon government for Crocus. He was a visionary and creator and we here were pleased to have him as a colleague years later.

"Replacing his position will be hard. Replacing Michael will be impossible."

Less than two weeks ago at Crocus' annual meeting, Kreiner, knowing his colleague had only days to live, paid tribute to Bessey.

Calling Bessey "a listener, thinker, problem solver, and... an eclectic individual with an incredibly diverse set of interests," Kreiner said he will be missed.