TNRD – Former board chair, Logan Lake mayor, Al Kemp passes away

A former Logan Lake mayor has died.

The passing of Al Kemp was announced today (Aug. 2, 2018) by current Mayor Robin Smith.

She said in a statement:

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Al Kemp.  Al has a long history of public service in Logan Lake, and throughout our region, and Province.  He was a dedicated member of Logan Lake Council, for 21 years including 12 years served as Mayor.  Al served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Thompson Nicola Regional District, and also spent 2 years in the position of Chair of the Board.  He served as a Director for the Okanagan Mainline Association (now SILGA) and he also served in an executive position for Union of B.C. Municipalities.

Al’s dedication to community service is admirable, and he was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal of honor for exemplary community service.

A few of the major projects lead by Al include:

*The downtown revitalization project

*The tourist info booth in the Highland Valley Copper Shovel

*The Lake reclamation in Maggs park

*Revival of Logan Lake Community after the closure of Highmont mine

In addition to his work for the Community of Logan Lake, and the many boards that he served, Al was the President of the Steelworkers Union 7619 and retired from Highland Valley Copper after 25 years as a Machinist.

Al was a big part of the History of the Community of Logan Lake, and has always been a supporter of the District operations.  We are grateful for his many contributions, and for the legacy Al has left behind for each and every member of the Community of Logan Lake and beyond.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and many colleagues who will cherish his memory.

The municipal hall flag will be lowered in honour of Kemp’s many years service to the District of Logan Lake.

On a personal note, I enjoyed working with Al when he was mayor of Logan Lake and I was mayor of Kamloops. Among other projects, he and I were signatories to the Thompson Rivers Economic Accord in 2002.

— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P, TNRD