Financial conglomerate Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. said Tuesday that its chief financial officer, David Bonham, has died suddenly.

The Toronto-based firm said its vice-president and CFO passed away over weekend.

It has appointed VP corporate development John Varnell as interim CFO.

“The entire Fairfax family mourns the sudden and unexpected loss of our dear friend and partner, Dave Bonham,” said Prem Watsa, chairman and CEO of Fairfax, in a statement.

“Dave was incredibly bright and disciplined as our CFO, and we will all miss his sense of humour, quick wit and caring nature. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dave’s family.”

Varnell has filled the CFO role on two previous occasions and has been CFO of Northbridge Financial Corp. and Fairfax India Holdings Corp.