The Town of Oliver and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) are mourning the loss of long-time community leader, Bill Ross.
Ross died at age 76 on May 10 after the scooter he was driving collided with a vehicle on Highway 97.
READ MORE: Elderly scooter driver dies following collision in Oliver
The Town of Oliver and the RDOS wish to express condolences to his family and friends.
Ross was a long-time resident of Oliver and served his community for many years. He was alderman with the Town of Oliver from 1990 to 1992. He later served as councillor with the Town of Oliver from 1993 to 1999. Ross was appointed as an Alternate Director on the RDOS board in 1996, and then as a Director later that year.
He continued to serve on the board until 1999. Ross served as RDOS vice-chair in 1998 and Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District (OSRHD) Chair in 1999. In addition to his many years of public service, Ross worked for Southern Okanagan Lands Irrigation District (SOLID) as the manager from December 1981 until it dissolved in 1989.
His many contributions to the South Okanagan are appreciated by all who knew him, said the RDOS in a news release.
“Bill always took time to speak with everyone and had lots of great stories to share,” said RDOS Chair Karla Kozakevich. “He was well-loved in the community, and respected by his fellow board members.”
“I was lucky to have spent some time with Bill a couple of months ago,” said Oliver mayor, Martin Johansen. “We spent the afternoon going for lunch and touring some of the farms South of Oliver. We spoke about politics, business, and the history of the South Okanagan.
“During our visits with residents, it was clear to me Bill was respected for being a loyal, reliable and hardworking individual. I was very saddened to hear the news of Bill’s passing. Bill was a good friend and he will be missed in this community.”
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