Earl Orser, a former president and CEO of London Life Insurance Co., has died. He was 76.

Orser died Dec. 26, 2004 following a battle with cancer.

Orser led London Life for nearly two decades, when the company’s assets grew from $3.9 billion to more than $16 billion.

London Life was taken over by the Great-West Lifeco Inc. in 1997, when Orser was named a member of the Order of Canada.

Before joining London Life, Orser held senior positions with Molson and Air Canada.