We are saddened to announce the passing of our long-time friend and companion Kevin Busswood. Kevin died in the Chilliwack General Hospital on Saturday, June 21, 2008. He was 60 years old.
Son of the late Leslie and Deirdre Busswood, he is sorely missed by his daughter Erin (Caleb), his wife Nancy den Boesterd, his brother Mike (Cathe), and nieces Samantha and Kaitlyn, along with other family members and many friends.
Kevin started with Fraser Valley College in 1976 and was one of the first sociology instructors hired. He was a leading player in the early days of the Fraser Valley College Faculty and Staff Association, where he served many terms as president. He is credited with helping to create the conciliatory labour climate that has been notable at the University of the Fraser Valley in all of its stages of development. Kevin helped to forge so much of what became the culture in UFV. His sense of humour and abilities as a diplomat helped him to find ways to resolve problems in the interest of all parties.
Kevin was also very involved in the Chilliwack and Cultus Lake communities. At the time of his passing he was executive director of the Chilliwack Social Research and Planning Council. As such, he was a member and an instrumental driver of the mayor’s Social Issues Advisory committee, striving to meet the health and social issues of the community in a more effective and caring way.
Kevin was board chair of the Sto:lo Development Corporation, which supports First Nation Communities within the traditional Sto:lo Territory through a range of community economic development initiatives and programs.
He was also chair of the Cultus Lake Governance Committee, which is working with the City of Chilliwack and the Province of B.C. to determine the future of the community of Cultus Lake.
Kevin was the first chair of the advisory committee of Chilliwack Future Plan, the official community planning process of the late 1990’s. He was also chair of the Advisory Planning Commission for the District of Chilliwack from 1987 to 1989. He was also active in the Yarrow community.
Kevin spent time in northern Canada working with the Nacho Nyak Dun on their aboriginal land claims.
A family funeral will be held. In the fall there will be a public memorial gathering for Kevin. Date, time, and location will be announced.
www.mem.com