Council paid tribute on Tuesday to former Mission fire chief Ken Lissimore Sr., who died last month at the age of 93.
Lissimore was chief of the Mission Fire Rescue for nine years and volunteered for a range of other organizations in the district.
In 2008, he was named a Freeman of the Municipality, the district’s highest honour.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Ted Adlem called Lissimore a “truly remarkable man” and paid tribute to his impressive record of achievement and participation in the community.
“Over the years, Ken played trumpet in a community band, led his own dance orchestra, was an officer in charge of the Mission Army Cadet Drum and Bugle Band, and was president of the Soap Box Derby Association, president of the Rotary Club and an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 57,” Adlem said
Lissimore was most known for his 37-year firefighting career that began in 1951.
“Freeman Lissimore was a mentor and a friend to multiple generations of firefighters and Mission residents. It is with sadness that we mark his passing, and with gratitude,” said Adlem.
Council then observed a moment of silence in Lissimore’s honour.
Lissimore was born in Vancouver, but subsequently moved to England, and was living there when the Second World War began. Lissimore enlisted in the army and saw duty in North Africa and Europe during the war.
After marrying his wife Dulcie (Dot), the couple moved to Canada, along with their infant daughter Barb, in 1947. He owned a plumbing and heating business.
A memorial for the veteran firefighter will be held Sept. 13 at Fire Station No. 1 at 11 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Mission Fire Rescue Service.
