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In Memorium
This page briefly summarizes the contributions to local government of AVICC members who have passed away since 2009. We apologize in advance for any oversights. The source of the information is the memorial announcements published in the UBCM News.
Councillor Allan Cassidy – Passed away July 10, 2011. Oak Bay Councillor Cassidy’s dedication and commitment to the community was evident in so many ways. He was elected to Council in 1996 and his well thought-out contributions and his input towards the decision making process have been invaluable to the community. Council Committee Chairmanship: Land Use Section; Internal Appointments: Uplands Building Permit Review Sub-Committee and Building and Renovation Achievement Awards Panel; External Appointments: Provincial Capital Commission and Camosun College Liaison.
Mel Couvelier – Passed away May 30, 2011. Couvelier was first elected as a Sannich alderman in 1974, and in 1977 successfully ran for mayor, a position he held until 1986. Couvelier served on the UBCM Executive from 1981-1985. The early 80’s were turbulent times with the government implementing significant restraint measures that were felt hard by local governments. In 1985, signs of economic recovery led to a special meeting where then-UBCM president Couvelier announced the Provincial-Municipal Partnership Program. The Program as designed to provide revenue to local governments to compensate for the revenue losses under the restraint program. In 1986, Couvelier was elected to the provincial legislature where he served as a MLA until 1991. As Finance minister, he worked with UBCM on improving the provincial-municipal finance relationship. The late 1980’s saw increased revenue sharing and new funding for infrastructure projects and downtown revitalization.
Councillor Ike Patterson – Passed away May 1, 2011. Port Alberni Councillor Patterson’s dedication and commitment to the community was evident in many ways. He was elected to City council in 2002 and would have completed three full terms in November 2011. At a city level, he was known for his thoughtful contributions and his invaluable input. He was also a well-known historian and a familiar face at the Alberni Valley Museum.
Councillor Ray Crossley – Passed away October 9, 2010. First elected to Comox Council in 2002 and was re-elected in two subsequent elections. Councillor Crossley dedicated many years to serving in the community. His focus was consistent on improving recreation facilities, providing more opportunities for youth and promoting environmental initiatives. During his tenure as a member of Comox Council, Councillor Crossley was instrumental in the construction of the Comox/Courtenay Skateboard Park, the gymnastics facility at the Comox Recreation Centre and he was very supportive of the 2010 expansion of the Recreation Centre.
Kathleen Grouhel – Passed away August 13, 2010. In the early 60’s Kay became involved with a zoning issue for the Town of Ladysmith and after some disagreement decided to run for town Council. After losing the first time, she became an alderman in 1964. After one year she resigned to run for and become mayor. She was the first woman mayor for Ladysmith, a position she held for twelve years. She also later became the first woman UBCM president. First among her accomplishments as Mayor was the upgrading of the town sewers and building a treatment plant to stop the raw discharge into the harbor. She also acquired the waterfront property and was instrumental in developing the much lover Transfer Beach Park. Other accomplishments include the building of the firehall and public works buildings, the city’s first new fire truck in years, the planting of the dogwood trees along the highway through town and the sidewalk redesign to improve ascetics and increase pedestrian safety.
Tony Green – Passed away March 13, 2009. In 1950, Mr. Green began his 35 year career in municipal administration. In 1956, he became Clerk/Treasurer in Armstrong; in 1962, the Clerk/Administrator for Quesnel; and in 1981 he was appointed the Municipal Administrator/Clerk of North Saanich. He retired in 1986 at age 55, after which he did some short-term contract work for several communities. He was a life member and former President of the Municipal Officer’s Association.