Friends remember Vernon city council candidate, arts supporter

VERNON – A Vernon city council candidate and long-time supporter of the arts in the city has died following a battle with cancer.

David Hesketh was receiving hospice care when he entered the municipal election campaign, according to a post on his Facebook page.

"Some of you might be aware I am at Hospice which I am there for (respite)," he wrote.

Hesketh was an active member of the city's arts community for decades and was a strong supporter for the 'yes-side' in the referendum on the proposed Great Vernon Cultural Centre.

"I believed in the Performing Arts (Centre) and I believe in (the Cultural Centre) more," he said.

Friends and family have been posting kind words on his Facebook page, calling his positive attitude inspiring and saying he will be missed.

Michelle Loughery, the artist behind Vernon's famous mural project, said in a post that Hesketh's passing has left her with great sorrow.

"For the loss of a man that was such a good man who did so much without any recognition. To the gift he left us with to use his strength again to help this city," Lowery said.

Fellow city council candidate David Deshane described him as "just a really nice guy" and a "genuinely nice-spirited person."

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