North Cowichan’s mayor says the whole municipality is saddened by the loss of a former leader who left a long-lasting legacy.
Former North Cowichan mayor Tom Walker passed away earlier yesterday (Mar. 7) and Rob Douglas says all who knew him are feeling a tremendous loss of a great man, leader and someone who has inspired so many.
“Tom left a tremendous legacy in North Cowichan,” Douglas says. “He worked tirelessly to serve the people of North Cowichan first as councillor, and then as mayor.
“His passion and knowledge about forestry was a catalyst for significant changes to the way North Cowichan managed its forests, including the formation of the Forest Advisory Committee.”
According to the municipality, Walker’s career spanned 35 years working for the BC Forest Service and in 1980 he was appointed the district manager of the Duncan Forest District in the Cowichan Valley.
They say Walker was also appointed by the province to protect the public interest as a Lay Councillor on the Association of BC Professional Foresters, who was responsible for registering and regulating professional foresters from 2013 to 2018.
Later, Walker was president, a director or a member in many community organizations including past president of Cowichan Valley Crimestoppers, BC Forest Discovery Centre and the Duncan Rotary Club, and former director of Cowichan Valley Basket Society and Clement Centre Society.
He also sat on the committee to celebrate North Cowichan’s 150th anniversary.
Walker was also a recipient of the Freedom of the Municipality award.
Douglas says he will mourn the loss, along with family, friends and all who knew Walker.
