Former TNRD board chair Ken Gillis has died

The former board chair for the Thompson Nicola Regional District has died.

Ken Gillis leaves behind his wife Linda Brown and their families after his sudden passing, according to a regional district news release issued today, Sept. 14.

"I enjoyed working with him and hearing his many stories of a life well-lived, while his songs and anecdotes brightened many an informal gathering. He was a gentleman of the old school who will be hugely missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Linda, his family, and his many friends," current board chair Barbara Roden said in the news release.

Gillis served as director for electoral area L, covering the Monte Lake, Westwold and Knutsford areas, for three terms. He also led the board as chair from 2018 to 2022. He served on the board along with his wife, who previously served as mayor of Merritt.

“His four years as Board Chair were marked by the pandemic, a horrendous fire season in 2021, and the forensic audit, but through it all he provided a steady hand as he guided the board through a tumultuous time," Roden said.

The regional district has lowered the flag to half-staff at the downtown Kamloops civic building.

“I had the privilege and honour of working with Ken Gillis, and I will always remember his great sense of humour, Scott Hildebrand, regional district chief administrative officer said in the release. “How he would break into song at the drop of a hat and his passion and commitment to the TNRD. He will certainly be missed, and my sincere condolences go out to his wife, Linda Brown and their families.”

He stepped down from the regional district at the end of his term in 2022, deciding not to run for re-election. 

The news release did not say when Gillis died or the cause of his death.

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