PASSING – City lowers flags to half-staff in honour of late councillor Marg Spina

Flags at City Hall were lowered to half-staff today for former Kamloops city councilor Marg Spina, who died this morning (Dec. 15, 2017) with her family at her side. She was 65.

Spina resigned from her seat on council last May several months after she was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. She had earlier taken a leave of absence.

She was first elected to City council in 2008 after many years of community service, and was re-elected in 2011 and 2014.

She served as a City representative on the Thompson Nicola Regional District, and as president of the Southern Interior Local Government Association.

She was honoured in September with a lifetime membership in SILGA.

Her death was announced this morning by her daughter Christina Maria:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my Mom, Marg Spina after her courageous year long battle with cancer. She passed away at 4 a.m. surrounded by family at hospice in Kamloops. Our family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Royal Inland Hospital and Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House for the wonderful care and support they provided to her and our family. A public memorial service will be held in January.”

Mayor Ken Christian issued a statement of condolence:

“I am saddened to announce that former Councillor Marg Spina passed away at 4 a.m. today at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice in Kamloops surrounded by her family.

“Marg’s service to Kamloops was multi-faceted and continuous. From Consumer Affairs to the Food Bank, she advocated strongly for those in our City who were less fortunate.

“In 2008, she took that advocacy to an elected level and was a member of Kamloops City Council until she courageously resigned this past July to focus on her health and her family.

“During her time on Council, she served for nearly a decade with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board, the Thompson Regional Hospital District, the Southern Interior Local Government Association, and the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

“Marg always represented seniors, persons with disability, and persons less fortunate with caring hands and an open heart. On behalf of Kamloops City Council, City staff, and the citizens of Kamloops, I extend condolences to Ross, Peter, Christina, and Vincent as well as to all of Marg’s extended family. Marg made a difference.

“I have asked that flags at all civic buildings be lowered at 12 noon today for 48 hours.”

The TNRD also issued a statement:

“It is with deep regret that the Thompson-Nicola Regional District joins the City of Kamloops in expressing sorrow at this morning’s passing of former TNRD board director Marg Spina.

“Marg was first appointed to the TNRD board by the City of Kamloops council in December 2011. She continued to serve on the TNRD board until her resignation earlier this year after her diagnosis of breast cancer.

“Marg was an enthusiastic participant in board discussions and on the various committees on which she served. Her wholehearted participation in the Southern Interior Local Government Association as a former president of that organization was inspiring.

“Marg will be sadly missed by all. On behalf of the TNRD board and staff, we extend our sincere condolences to Marg’s family, her friends and to her community that she worked so tirelessly to represent.”