Gus Boersma 1936-2017

Gus Boersma was probably too nice to be a politician... and we mean that as a compliment. The longtime community booster lost a lengthy battle with leukima this week and died just a few days after his 81st birthday. Gus Boersma is one of very few British Columbians who was elected to municipal government in two towns or cities, first as mayor of Fernie and later as a city councillor in Penticton from 1999-2005.

Those who served on council with Gus often recall that he sometimes struggled with challenging decisions only because he didn’t want to disappoint anyone.

He truly cared about people and about his community.

His years on Penticton City Council are a mere footnote to a spectacular career of community service which began once he arrived here back in 1986.

He took over the Penticton Stamp Club and helped raise its profile. He loved sharing his love of stamps with youngsters. Under his leadership the club has raised thousands of dollars for charities including $30,000 for the Penticton Regional Hospital’s patient care tower.

He’d often write letters to the editor keeping the public abreast of the club’s activities. We never minded publishing them. It was actually a welcome breath of fresh air.

Gus loved to sing, appearing three times in productions of H.M.S. Pinafore. He sang in the choir at the United church and was a long-time member of the Naramata Choir, right up until the end.

He was president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and a senator with the University of Lethbridge. The Chamber later awarded him with a life membership.

He was a founding board member with the Okanagan Wine Festivals and volunteered with activities such as the Pentastic Jazz Festival and Okanagan Symphony Orchestra.

His lifetime of work was recognized with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Most important of all, Gus was a nice man. He was devoted to his wife of 55 years and family which shared him with our community.

We will miss him.

Penticton resident was always there to help out