KAMLOOPS — Tributes continue to pour in for John Dormer.
The former Kamloops Mayor passed away Friday afternoon after suffering from a stroke.
Dormer, who served one term as Mayor from 1986 to 1988, is being remembered for his kind, energetic spirit, as well his involvement with numerous Kamloops organizations throughout his life.
The husband and father served two terms as President of the Kamloops WildLife Park Society during the 1980s.
Glenn Grant, Executive Director and General Manager of the BC Wildlife Park says he played an instrumental role in making the site the tourist attraction it is today.
“There was some talk a long time ago of ‘ Where does the park go? Does it stay small for the community? Does it build itself up into a large tourist destination’? He was instrumental in shaping some of that direction and putting everybody on the same page. Some of the government connections that we have now with different ministries and the province, he fostered a lot of those relationships that are still carried on today.”
Kamloops Councillor Ken Christian, who used to work for the Health Ministry, fondly remembers working with Dormer to improve the city’s water systems and intake sources in the 1980s when he was mayor.
“John saw the need for that and was a visionary in supporting infrastructure and improvements in Kamloops. He had a very affable personality. He was a great communicator and was always interested in what was going on. He will be sorely missed by the entire community.”
Later in his career Dormer ran his own mining consulting company.
He was also involved with provincial politics, managing Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger’s re-election campaign in Kamloops-North Thompson.
City Councillor Arjun Singh said Dormer embodied a great deal of pride in the city.
“He was heavily involved throughout the community. Whenever you spoke to him he was so passionate and engaged about a variety of local topics, always had time for everyone. I know he was really looking forward to the provincial election. He was just a great guy, my thoughts go out to his family.”
Dormer was 72 years old.
