The world lost a gentleman and community booster last week.
Simon de Boer died Aug. 11 in Bastion Place at the age of 84.
De Boer settled on Yankee Flats Road in 1972. Four years later, he joined the board of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, where he remained for 23 years, many of them as chairman.
Shuswap MLA George Abbott worked with de Boer on the board for 16 years.
He describes him as someone who had a strong commitment to his Area D constituents, someone who was straightforward and honest and a pleasure to work with.
MP Colin Mayes also served on the CSRD board when he was mayor of Salmon Arm.
“Simon was the chair, a leader in the community and region,” says Mayes. “I always appreciated his fairness and willingness to serve in the community.”
Like Abbott, Mayes was impressed with de Boer’s willingness to discuss issues, his openness and the fact he was so approachable.
CSRD Electoral Area E director Rhona Martin worked on the board with de Boer for some 12 years.
“He was a very nice man, he was very passionate about local government and very committed to the people of his area,” said Martin. “He was always supportive of agriculture.”
As well as being committed to his constituents, Martin says de Boer cared about anyone with whom he came in contact.
When de Boer left the board in 1999, not only was he missed but so was his wife.
“Elsie took the directors’ spouses under her wing to help them and make sure you were included and felt welcome,” she says.
A service has already been held, but condolences can be posted at www.bowersfuneral service.com under de Boer’s obituary.