Update: Arts Supporter, Council Candidate Passes

Sep 21, 2018 | 5:07 PM

Update

The status of Dave Hesketh’s nomination for Vernon council remains up in the air.

Sue Blakely from the City of Vernon told Beach Radio News late Friday afternoon, they are working with the BC government and getting legal advice as to how to proceed.

She says apparently this situation has not happened before.

“We hope to have it sorted out by end of day Monday,” says Blakely.

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Friday afternoon was the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the council, regional district and school board races in BC.

“We are of course sensitive that this is a very difficult day for Mr. Hesketh’s family,” adds Blakely.

2 pm

One of the candidates running for Vernon council next month has passed away.

David Hesketh was battling cancer for the third time, and had been residing at the Hospice House.

His love of arts and culture was what drove him to run for councillor, something he had done in past elections as well.

He was a big supporter of the upcoming referendum for a new cultural complex, but told the Morning Star (click here to read) in a recent article, his plan was to locate the facility in Polson Park.

Hesketh was also a major backer of getting the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre opened in 2001, and was also a promoter of local music and entertainment events.

His friend Kelly Fehr from the Turning Points Collaborative Society, says Hesketh left his mark on the community.

“It’s a great loss to our community. He would have made an amazing city councillor. He certainly was an amazing friend and citizen of Vernon, and he’ll be sorely missed.”

Fehr says Hesketh was thinking of running for mayor, but knew he didn’t have the strength, and councillor would suit him better.

“He was very proud of the work he was able to partner with other people and accomplish. I know he was a big advocate of the proposed cultural centre and really wanted that to go through,” Fehr tells Beach Radio News.

His father, Bill Hekseth, who passed away in 2010, was a former executive director of the local John Howard Society and founder of Howard House.

Patti Bridal from the City of Vernon says they are seeking clarity from the BC government on what will happen with Hesketh’s nomination for council.

“I am waiting for direction from the Ministry in regards to Mr. Hesketh passing away prior to the end of the period in which a candidate may withdraw,” Bridal told Beach Radio News in an email.

Today is the final day candidates have to officially withdraw from the races.

Photo of Dave Hesketh, courtesy of Facebook

by Corey Fischer