Jim Edgson was a popular Central Okanagan politician for nearly a decade who represented approximately 7,000 people in rural areas outside West 琉璃神社 on the regional district board.

At 80 years old, Edgson died while on a recent camping trip.

He was elected as the inaugural director of the Central Okanagan West Rural Area in 2007 - a political role he held until stepping down from politics in 2014.

鈥淥f the many concerns and things which I ran for, I am very happy to note that the majority of these issues were accomplished, or are in the process of being worked on," Edgson told Black Press Media in 2014. "I continue to be excited about the improvements on Westside Road and in knowing that there is an improvement plan in place for that road in the future.鈥�

After Westside Road claimed first place in BCAA鈥檚 top in a row in 2014,  Edgson feared another poor ranking would force Ministry of Transportation crews to pack up and initiate projects elsewhere in B.C.

Edgson insisted that the ministry was aware of the need to continue the upgrades on the windy and narrow route and that the BCAA ranking was not necessary.

In 2018, construction started on a narrow section of Westside Road from La Casa Resort to Muir Road, which widened the road, added guardrails and made "travel safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for everyone," according to the provincial government at the time. 

Born in 1944 and raised in Grand Prairie, Alta., Edgson leaves behind his wife Anne three days short of their 58th wedding anniversary.

In 2019, Edgson and his wife released their autobiography, Rocks Don鈥檛 Move with the intention of guiding the next generation by .

Edgson entered a Bachelor of Science program in chemistry in 1962 at the University of Alberta and was hired in 1966 by the oilfield service company Schlumberger, where he worked for 32 years.

In 1998 he retired and supervised the building of their dream home in the Okanagan.

"Never content to rest easy, his attention turned to rural political issues and regional district governance challenges," his obituary reads of his move into politics.

An active member of Trinity Baptist Church in 琉璃神社, Edgson also loved the outdoors and lazy days fishing off his boat on Shuswap Lake.

"He actually loved driving and was always looking for a new road adventure. The Westside Road hills and curves never bothered him," his obituary reads.

A celebration of life at Trinity in 琉璃神社 takes place Aug. 17 at 11 a.m.