Former city councillor dies at 81
Gus Boersma, a two-term mayor of Fernie who later served on Penticton City Council for six years, has died. He was 81. “Gus was a true gentleman who took immense pride in helping our community,” said former Herald reporter John Moorhouse, who is now with the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.
“Whether it was through his years on city council or his roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Penticton Stamp Club and other organizations, you knew his commitment stemmed from the heart.”
Born in Kerkrade, Limburg in The Netherlands, he grew up in the south of Holland during the Second World War. Unable to speak either English or French, he moved to Port Cartier, Que., in 1960, following a brief tour of duty in the Dutch army. He and his family later moved to Fernie in 1968 and Penticton in 1986.
In Fernie, he served four terms on town council, including two as mayor. His claim to fame was building a dyke to protect the town from flooding.
He was the president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce during the run-up to Expo 86.
In Penticton, he was twice elected as a city councillor in 1999 and 2002.
“Gus was indeed a true gentleman and very compassionate with those in need,” said former mayor David Perry, who served with Boersma from 20022005. “His contributions to our community need to be celebrated. I’m very proud to have known him.”
Boersma’s community involvement extended well beyond city council. He sang with both the Penticton United Church choir and the Naramata Choir; he was an honourary life member of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce; a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal recipient; a founding board member of the Okanagan Wine Festival; a volunteer with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Pentastic Jazz Festival; and president of the Penticton & District Stamp Club.
“The stamp club was on a downward slope until he took over and it was because nobody wanted to do it,” said club treasurer Harv Baessler.
“He revitalized it with energy and enthusiasm and because of Gus, the club raised $30,000 for a room in the new hospital tower.”
His survivors include his wife Sigrid of 55 years, two children, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 at Penticton United Church, beginning at 2 p.m.