The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board of Directors and staff are deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Electoral Area A Director Russ Oakley.

Mr. Oakley served five terms as Electoral Area A Director from 1996 to 2011, including four years as Chair of the SLRD Board.

“His contributions impacted the lives of his constituents in Electoral Area A as did his unwavering support, dedication and commitment to public service. He will be greatly missed,” said current Electoral Area A Director Sal DeMare.

Mr. Oakley was a relentless advocate for road improvements, including the development of a partnership with BC Hydro that funded roadside barricades on Road 40 along the Carpenter Reservoir. Some of his other contributions in Electoral Area A include:

• Being a driving force for the creation of Gwyneth Lake Provincial Park through the Land Resource Management Plan process;
• Assisting with the restoration of the Bridge River Valley Flying Association and improvements to the Gun Lake airstrip for community purposes;
• Providing encouragement, guidance and funding for the Bridge River Valley 9-hole golf course;
• Leading the community restoration of the Bralorne Church, a historical treasure of the Bralorne community;
• Providing support and grants-in-aid for the Bralorne Community Hall, Museum and baseball diamond;
• Serving as the Fire Warden for his area and providing leadership through the devastating interface forest fires of 2009;
• Providing vital support and leadership to the community broadband internet society, Minto Communications Society;

Supporting the Bridge River Valley Economic Development Society as a local service provider and seeing it evolve into the Bridge River Valley Community Association.

Initiating a new water system at Gold Bridge to safeguard the health and well-being of residents and visitors.

“The SLRD is extremely grateful to Russ for all the contributions he made to our organization and to improving the lives of his constituents over his 15 years of public service,” said SLRD Board Chair, Jen Ford. “On behalf of the SLRD, I extend my deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

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