Pat Wallace (Photo via Arjun Singh)
Messages of condolence and recollection continue to pour in following word that long-time Kamloops city councillor Patricia “Pat” Wallace has passed away.
Wallace, who became an institution within Kamloops politics, passed away this weekend. She was 90.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Wallace, long time City Councillor and recipient of the Freedom of the City Award for her years of service and dedication to our City. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this time.
— City of Kamloops (@cityofkamloops) February 12, 2023
Wallace came on the political scene in 1980 as a Kamloops councillor.
She later went on to chair the Thompson-Nicola Regional District in 1983, becoming the first woman to hold that position before Ashcroft Mayor Barbara Roden was elected this past year.
After a failed attempt at the Mayor’s chair in 1986, Wallace would return to the council chambers in 1993.
She would continually win re-election until deciding to retire in 2018.
Word of her passing has prompted numerous notes of condolence online, including from current MP Frank Caputo, BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon, as well as the two current MLA’s representing Kamloops, Todd Stone and Peter Milobar, who also served as the Mayor of Kamloops with Wallace on council.
Saddened with the news of Pat Wallace’s passing. Pat was a true friend, mentor, tenacious local champion and most of all a very caring and compassionate person. #Kamloops was a much better place thanks to her. Deepest condolences to her family. pic.twitter.com/qc9DWMq8Sj
— Peter Milobar
(@PeterMilobar) February 12, 2023
It’s not clear at this point whether there may be a public memorial for Wallace.
More to come…
**Editors Note — Pat was one of the most welcoming, knowledgeable and accommodating members of Kamloops council when I, as a young reporter for Radio NL, arrived on the scene in Kamloops for the first time during my career in 1999.
