Former Saanich mayor Howard Sturrock died peacefully at his home Tuesday night at the age of 89.
Sturrock, who served as mayor of Saanich from 1987 to 1990, had been ill with cancer for the past year and died in his sleep, according to his daughter-in-law.
During his term as mayor, Sturrock also chaired the Capital Regional District board. His career in office also saw him serve on the Municipal Finance Authority and B.C. Assessment Authority boards. He served as alderman for nine years before being elected mayor.
In 2013, he was named a freeman of Saanich, making him the 12th person to receive the honour. Being named a freeman is similar to receiving a key to the city and is considered the highest formal honour a municipality can give to someone.
Coun. Susan Brice, who previously worked with Sturrock on the CRD when she served as mayor of Oak Bay, said Sturrock was highly regarded among his peers and the community.
“I know of his commitment to the environment, his amazing ability to bring people together on issues,” said Brice. “I have enormous respect for him. He was an amazing, gentle, thoughtful guy.”
Coun. Colin Plant said while he didn’t know Sturrock personally, he echoed Brice’s sentiments about the former mayor’s positive impact to Saanich residents.
“I certainly respect that he did a lot of good for Saanich and he was well liked by everyone,” said Plant. “I never heard anyone speak anything ill of his leadership or his time as mayor.”
