Agassiz has lost one of its most active and loyal community supporters.
Mel Jorgensen, 70, passed away on Sunday evening in his own home, after a very brief illness.
Most recently, Jorgensen was the business manager at Kilby Historic Site. He worked in that position to improve and preserve the site for the enjoyment of future generations. That position dovetailed nicely with another passion of Jorgensen's — being a Lions Club member. The Agassiz Harrison Lions Club members are active volunteers at Kilby, working on the ground at events as well as fundraising for improvements to the site. One of the most recent examples is the new children's playground at Kilby, a project that Jorgensen had told the Observer he was extremely proud of.
His history with the service club dates back to 1964 in Clinton. He was also a North Vancouver Lion, and joined the Agassiz Harrison Lions Club in 1999, shortly after he and his wife Jackie moved here. He ran for council upon his arrival in Agassiz, and held a seat for three, three-year terms.
At Kilby's recent Children's Festival, Jorgensen volunteered there dressed as a clown, interacting with guests. He was a Shrine clown for a few years, and enjoyed working with children.
Mayor John Van Laerhoven passed along a message on behalf of council and the District.
"The district is saddened to hear this news," Van Laerhoven said. "Members of the community have lost a committed volunteer, both from his service with the Kilby site, along with his giving of himself for nine years as a member of council."
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