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Remembering Kevin Taylor 

It is with heavy hearts that the LGMA learned of the passing of our BC local government colleague, Kevin Taylor. 


Kevin was most recently the director of corporate and development services at the District of Lillooet, but due to his intellect, inspiring wit, and hard work, he saw a meteoric rise through the ranks in his career. Originally from North Vancouver, he held a political science degree from the University of Victoria. His storied career through BC local government included being a development planner for the District of Summerland, a planning technician for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and a planning and economic development technician for the District of Peachland. 


Kevin was witty, inspiring, smart, hardworking, and someone who cared deeply about doing the very best he could for the communities he served. Our hearts go out to Kevin’s family, including his husband, Jeremy Denegar. Remembering their friend, here’s what some of Kevin’s colleagues had to say about him:


“Our Kevin was so quick with sarcasm, but so lovable. His insecurities were masked by his wit. We became friends right from our first meeting. He was like a grandson to me. Unfortunately, Kevin never saw or knew how much he affected so many, in their thinking and actions. He lit up a room and made our lives easier but kept us in line. He gave the best hugs and he will be immensely missed forever. He always had an ear to listen and said it like it was. He loved his sushi, but, always saved room for stealing my French fries. I miss him every day.” 


“While Kevin was only in our lives for the past four years, his impact will be with us forever. I am a true believer that at the end of our lives, people do not remember how much you had, what you did or where you lived; people remember who you were, what kind of person you were, and the impact you had on others. I will remember Kevin as a happy, intelligent, by the book, funny, dedicated and kind person that passed away far too young. 


We are all saddened by his passing, but it was an honour to know him and for that, we are grateful to have had those few short years.” 


"Local government is not an easy work environment and Kevin was exceptional in his role as corporate office and planner. His clever banter helped alleviate tense times around the council table. When faced with ignorance and bigotry both professionally and personally, he handled himself with integrity and ease. He left an everlasting impression on all those who got to know him. He is missed."


"I truly enjoyed getting to know Kevin and working with him for the past two years in my role as a Planning Technician for the District of Lillooet. He was kind, witty, professional, knowledgeable, and a great mentor to have. He is very much missed at the District of Lillooet and by all who knew him!"


"Kevin, it was an absolute privilege to work with you as a colleague and to get to know you as a friend. What you were able to create with a crochet hook made me smile and using paint to make imminent maps when there was no other option is just one example of your ingenuity. I wish we could see what you would have been able to accomplish with more time. You are greatly missed and because I knew you, I have been changed for good."


"Kevin was one of the most spirited, enthusiastic, and passionate people I have known. Tangling with him on local issues in Lillooet was informative and highly entertaining, and at no point did I ever doubt his passion and intelligence. Kevin really cared about his community and worked hard to improve it. I will remember him as the fun and excitable person he was, and take his vision for Lillooet forward in our own work - just as he wanted us to do."


"Although I only knew Kevin for a short period of time, our interactions were rich with intellectual animation and rife with humour. He cared deeply about both people and process. Sharp, clever and kind, a rare gem who will be missed in local government."


"Kevin was one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever met and I am honoured to say that he was a coworker and a friend. Hardworking, honest and hilarious, Kevin was able to find the answer to everything and taught me how to properly use sticky notes. Kevin was both respected and respectful, a defender who always stood up for what was right. He was fearless like a wolverine, meticulous and thoughtful. When it came to putting a plan into action he was the best. 


I always told him he should be a correspondent for the CBC, But let’s be honest, he could have had any job he wanted. I loved sharing nostalgic conversation, a few great inside jokes, and the times that one look from Kevin spoke 1,000 words. Kevin’s passing has been an indescribable loss and the world is not the same without him."


"My heart aches for all those who knew and loved Kevin - our paths only crossed a handful of times, but it only took meeting Kevin once to know you were in the presence of a truly extraordinary human. Jeremy, my heart aches for you - may you find solace and comfort in your beautiful memories of your beloved husband."


"I feel so blessed to have met and worked with Kevin. He is among the most intelligent, quick witted, and funny people I had the pleasure of working with. He was a great gift to his profession and the municipal governments he served. Kevin’s legacy lives on in his excellent work contributions and the love and humour he gave those around him. My heart aches for those missing him at this difficult time. He is a real gem of a human being that gave so much to so many. I will never forget how generous his spirit is and how he made me feel to be in his presence. Much love, Kimberly."


"I was shocked and terribly saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. I worked with him for a few years here at the District of Peachland and although our paths didn’t cross all that often (different departments) - when they did he was always friendly, kind, quick with a smile and looking to lighten the day for everyone around him, especially those that needed it most. I’ll always appreciate the time I was able to spend with Kevin, short as it was."


"I had the pleasure of working with Kevin while he was with the District of Summerland. I was providing contracted environmental planning services to the district and I was lucky enough to work on shared projects with Kevin. It was a challenging job for me and Kevin made it easier. I could speak honestly with him and get honesty in return. I remember his wit and sarcasm as others have mentioned. He was charming, friendly and clever. I noticed his competence which was more than I expected in someone of his age. His smile sticks with me too. If I wanted to stand on some finer point of debate, all he had to do was grin at me, and I knew I was going to agree with him. I too saw him deflect bigotry with confidence. Kevin influenced me and I will carry forward what I learned from him and the memories I have."


"I was lucky enough to get to know Kevin at the start of my journey in local government. Even though we didn't work for the same community, he went out of his way to be in touch, provide advice, and provide encouragement. When we finally ended up working together years later, I found (not surprisingly) he was a diligent and intelligent worker who cared deeply about doing a great job and providing great service to the community, while simultaneously being 110% genuinely his sassy self and not particularly caring what anyone thought of it. I admired him, enjoyed his company and humour and sharp dress, and always appreciated his perspective. How he clearly cared for and enriched the life of another amazing human who I respect tremendously and have learned a lot from, Jeremy, only endeared him to me further. His life may have ended, but his light will continue on. Thank you Kevin for that gift."


"I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Kevin was an amazing person who made a positive impact not just in the communities he worked, but in the peoples' lives he touched. He will be so deeply missed. I recall from working alongside him in the Central Okanagan how his humour and smile could light up a room. 


Please know that I am here for you. 

Thinking of you and your family.

Jamie McEwan "


Thank you to the individuals who provided information and photos to ensure Kevin’s memory was honoured accurately, we appreciate your support. If you have comments, or memories you would like to share of Kevin, please fill out the form below and we will add your comments to this page.

Submit Your Comments Or Memories and we will add them to this page

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