Ken Gillis, former TNRD board chair, has died

KAMLOOPS — The former chair of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) board of directors has passed away.

In a news release issued Thursday (Sept. 14) morning, the TNRD confirmed the sudden passing of Ken Gillis. He was first elected as a TNRD director in 2011 and served as board chair of the regional district from 2018 to 2022.

Barbara Roden, TNRD board chair, says Gillis provided a steady hand through a tumultuous time, facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 wildfire season and the TNRD audit following the investigation into the spending of former CAO Sukh Gill.

“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,” Roden states.

Gillis did not seek re-election for director in Electoral Area “L” (Grasslands) in 2022, as he had married and moved to Merritt during his term.

The flags outside the TNRD Civic Building will be lowered to half-staff in mourning for Ken’s passing.