
Ken Gillis (Photo via TNRD)
A loss in the local political scene in the Kamloops-area.
Thompson-Nicola Regional District officials have confirmed the sudden passing of the previous board chair, Ken Gillis, who died on Wednesday night.
Gillis served three terms on the TNRD’s board of directors as the director for Area L (Grasslands) after he was elected in 2011. He served as TNRD chair from 2018 until last year, when he decided not to run again and retire from local politics.
“His four years as Board Chair 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,” current Board Chair, Barbara Roden, said. “I 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.”
In a statement, Gillis’ son, Charlie, daughter, Carole, and wife, former Merritt Mayor, Linda Brown, say the community has “lost a man with a profound attachment to the region, and a sense of duty to its people.”
“He was gregarious by nature. He loved a joke, roared instead of laughing, enjoyed a party and an adult beverage or three,” the statement said. “He could bash out Johnny Cash songs on a guitar all night, and be up at 6 a.m. to cut firewood.”
“Ken was a man of strongly held opinions that not everyone shared, but he was capable of listening, and of change, which served him well in public life. His views on many political and social issues evolved after he entered regional politics.”
“We are touched and gratified by the kind words about Ken that others in the community have shared.”

Gillis family statement on passing of Ken Gillis.
Flags outside the TNRD Civic Building on Victoria Street in Kamloops have been lowered to half-staff.
“I had the privilege and honour of working with Ken Gillis, and I will always remember his great sense of humour,” TNRD CAO Scott Hildebrand said, in a statement.
“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.”
Ken Gillis was 79.