Whistler's former deputy administrator, John Murray, died June 28 after a 15-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 76.
Murray passed away at his home in Westbank, in Central Okanagan. He and his wife Louise retired in Westbank after they left Whistler in 1994.
During his six years in Whistler Murray played a key role in bringing public transit to the community.
Prior to working in Whistler Murray had briefly retired after 30 years serving the communities of Powell River, Warfield and Rossland. He was chief administrative officer of the District of Powell River when he retired, but then was persuaded to come to Whistler.
Born in Trail, B.C. in 1932, Murray was involved in local government almost his whole life. For the past four years he was chairman of the Westbank First Nation Advisory Council, a role he held since the council's inception four years ago. The council provides input to the Westbank First Nation on behalf of non-natives who live on Westbank land.
Only Westbank First Nation members have the right to vote for chief and councillors.
Murray was also a past president and lifelong member of the British Columbia Municipal Officers Association, now the Local Government Management Association.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10 at the Club House, Sun Village, 2330 Butt Road, Westbank, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Prostate Cancer Canada are encouraged.
