Byron Kemp passes away (1940-2018)

Byron Kemp - CRD Electoral Area E Director
1999-2005/2011-2018 (Photo Credit: Black Press)

This past Monday night - Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Electoral Area 'E' Director Byron Kemp passed away at the age of 78

Director Kemp previously served as an CRD Area E Alternate Director prior to his 1st election as CRD Area 'E' Director in the 1999 local government election and served until his defeat in the November 2005 local government election and returned to public office in the November 2011 local election and re-elected in the 2014 election.

He long advocated for Mountview water/sewer and the Esler Sports Complex in his 13 years of elected office.  He also was a firm believer in mining, including support for Prosperity/New Prosperity and Gibraltar Mines, located in Electoral Area 'D' and ranching

When I became the Area D Alternate Director in February of 2013 - he was most welcoming and helpful as I performed my role.  Then, upon my Area 'D' Director election in November 2014 - he/I sat beside each other at the CRD Board table and talked up the issues affecting our respective Electoral Areas.  I will miss him profoundly.  As of this writing, I am currently not aware of any funeral arrangements

Byron Kemp will, to the best of my knowledge, become the 1st Cariboo Regional District elected official to pass away, while in public office and just the 2nd elected official in the Cariboo-Chilcotin following former Williams Lake City Councillor Patrick Reid who himself passed away while in office in the 2002-2005 term

Pursuant to Section 201(5a) of the Local Government Act - Melynda Neufeld, the Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Alternate Director will now take over the position of Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Director

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Kemp family on the loss of a great public servant.  He has left a mark on the people of the Cariboo-Chilcotin for many years to come

~SF

Full Statement of the Cariboo Regional District:

Cariboo Regional District Electoral Area E Director Byron Kemp passed away Monday night at the age of 78. He leaves behind his wife Diane, their two children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Byron Kemp was first elected as Electoral Area E Director in 1999 and has served four terms with the CRD. He served as an Alternate Director prior to 1999 as well.

Byron lived in Chimney Lake with his family; his property and his electoral area were his pride and joy. Even in his last days, Byron was talking about the Regional District and the topics discussed at the Board table.

Byron worked in many capacities in the education field throughout the Cariboo. He was vice principal at Anne Stevenson Junior Secondary School in the 1970s; he taught at the school in Big Creek; and he was principal at both the Chimney Creek and Glendale schools. Byron was instrumental in starting the year-round schooling program at Glendale and he founded the Williams Lake rugby club.

Byron also was a school counsellor at Thompson Rivers University in Williams Lake. He helped train many student teachers through the university as well.

“Byron’s dedication and commitment to his electoral area and the broader community is an inspiration,” says CRD Chair Margo Wagner. “He leaves behind a tremendous legacy and big shoes to fill.”

Melynda Neufeld, the Alternate Director for Area E, is stepping in as the Director for the area ahead of the local government elections this fall.