BARB BROUWER
Black Press
Ted Bacigalupo, chairperson of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District and Okanagan Regional Library, died Wednesday following an undisclosed illness.
Bacigalupo was first elected to the position of CSRD director for South Shuswap in 1999, serving in that capacity for 13 years.
“It was a role he filled with tremendous dedication, putting in many hours attending as many community meetings and functions as possible,” says a CSRD media release.
“In addition, he championed the causes of the various commissions and committees on which he served; most notably the Okanagan Regional Library Board, where he served as chair for the past five years, and the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process. Bacigalupo was also on the executive of the Southern Interior Local Government Association.”
Bacigalupo was one of the key advocates for the new ORL branch in downtown Vernon, which opened in May.
CSRD vice-chairperson Dave Raven called Bacigalupo’s death a real loss, not only to his family and friends, but also to the wider community he served. The CSRD includes Falkland.
“We’re all deeply saddened. Ted was a good friend to all of us on the board. He very proudly served his area,” said Raven.
“He was a true gentleman and he taught me many lessons. He will be sadly missed and my heart goes out to his family and his many friends.”
CSRD chief administrative officer Charles Hamilton, said he was deeply saddened to hear of the death.
“On behalf of all the staff at the CSRD, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends,” says Hamilton.
“Ted was a great character with whom I had a wonderful working relationship. I will miss him very much indeed.”
Bacigalupo died peacefully with his family by his side.
“We currently have no information on planned services and are respecting the family’s wishes for privacy at this time,” said Carolyn Black, CSRD assistant deputy manager of corporate affairs.
