Premier remembers Melfort MLA

REGINA Friends and colleagues were “shocked and saddened” by the death of Saskatchewan Party MLA Kevin Phillips, Premier Brad Wall said.

The Melfort MLA died Monday at the age of 63, the Saskatchewan government announced on Tuesday. The death was “completely without warning,” Wall said in a statement.

“All of Kevin’s friends and colleagues are shocked and saddened by his sudden and unexpected passing,” Wall said, noting Phillips was “back in Regina (Monday), getting ready for another week of doing what he loved to do — representing the people of Melfort in the Assembly.”

The Saskatchewan Party MLA is survived by his wife, four children and several grandchildren.

First elected to the legislative assembly in 2011 and reelected in 2016, Phillips was serving in the legislative assembly as deputy whip for the government side.

During his time as an MLA, he played an active role in getting a new domestic violence shelter built for his community. It was the first new shelter of its kind opened in the province since 1989.

Before becoming an MLA, Phillips was an active member of the Melfort business community. He was a partner in the Melfort Journal for more than 25 years and sat on the board of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association.

Phillips also had served as the mayor of Melfort, the president of the Kinsmen Club and a chairman of the Melfort school division.

Flags at the Saskatchewan legislature were lowered to half staff in his honour.

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips’ seat in the Saskatchewan legislature is shown Tuesday, one day after he died.

MICHAEL BELL A book of condolence was set up in the rotunda of the Legislative Building in Regina for the family of Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips, who died “completely without warning” Monday at the age of 63.