Flags outside the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) Civic Building in Kamloops have been lowered to half-mast Thursday, Sept. 14 in mourning of a longtime past director and TNRD chair.

鈥淭he TNRD mourns the loss of Ken Gillis, a friend, colleague, board of director, and past chair of the regional district. Ken was elected TNRD Director in 2011 and served his last term in 2022 as chair of the TNRD.

Gillis, 79, died Wednesday.

鈥淭he TNRD family offers condolences and expresses sympathy for Ken鈥檚 family and friends, respective colleagues, staff members and residents of Electoral Area 鈥淟鈥�.鈥� noted the TNRD in a news release Thursday morning.

Current TNRD Chair Barbara Roden said Gillis was a passionate supporter of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District during his three terms as director.

鈥淗is four years as Board Chair (2018 鈥� 2022) were marked by the pandemic, a horrendous fire season in 2021, and the forensic audit, but through it all, he provided a steady hand as he guided the board through a tumultuous time,鈥� Roden noted. 鈥淚 enjoyed working with him and hearing his many stories of a life well-lived, while his songs and anecdotes brightened many an informal gathering. He was a gentleman of the old school who will be hugely missed, and our thoughts are with his wife Linda, his family, and his many friends.鈥�

Scott Hildebrand, Chief Administrative Officer of the TNRD, added it was an honour to work with Gillis, and that he will 鈥渁lways remember his great sense of humour 鈥� how he would break into song at the drop of a hat and his passion and commitment to the TNRD. He will certainly be missed, and my sincere condolences go out to his wife, Linda Brown and their families.鈥�

Electoral Area 鈥淟鈥� (Grasslands) includes unincorporated areas on the south side of the South Thompson River, with general boundaries of Chase, eastern Kamloops, Stump Lake and Westwold.