TNRD – Logan Lake honours ‘true community hero’ Al Kemp

LOGAN LAKE – A man described as “a true community hero” was honoured Saturday (Aug. 11, 2018) at memorial service in the Logan Lake Recreational Centre.

About 150 people listened as Mayor Robin Smith read a eulogy prepared by members of the family of former mayor Al Kemp, and added comments of her own about his service to the community.

Kemp died Aug. 2 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer.

“He gave so much to our beautiful little town,” Mayor Smith said, calling Kemp an “inspiration,” a “mentor” and a “driving force.”

Kemp moved to Logan Lake in 1972 and began work as a machinist at Lornex/Highland Valley Copper, where he was President of the Steel Workers Union 7619. He was first elected to the Logan Lake council in 1985 and served as a councilor for nine years and as mayor for 12.

As mayor he represented Logan Lake on the Thompson Nicola Regional District, where he was elected chair by his fellow directors.

Coun. Al Smith, a friend of Kemp’s since the early days of Logan Lake in the 1970s, said Kemp was committed to making the “instant town” a good place to live. “Al did not get credit for a lot of things he did.”

Doug Fleming, a former District of Logan Lake administrator, said, “He was a great mayor; he was a great person.”

Kemp was predeceased by his wife Pat in 2012. He is survived by his three daughters, Terri, Tracey (Mark) and Shelley (Andy), grandchildren Braedy (Noelle), Kara (Darnell), Tasia (Rob) and Nick, and five great-grandchildren.

— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P, TNRD