Graeme Roberts, being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Car Dealers Association of BC. (NCDA)

By Spencer Sterritt

loss

Former Nanaimo mayor Graeme Roberts passes away

Jun 14, 2021 | 12:31 PM

NANAIMO — Flags are at half mast at Nanaimo City Hall to recognize the passing of a former mayor.

Graeme Roberts, who held the top elected position in Nanaimo for two years after defeating Frank J. Ney in 1984, passed away over the weekend after a fight with cancer.

It was Roberts who sought to name Nanaimo the “Harbour City” and said the day he officially unveiled the name at a ceremony with Prince Charles and Princess Diana was one of the proudest moments of his life. He also officially declared a recipe from Joyce Hardcastle as the ultimate Nanaimo bar recipe in 1986.

Current mayor Leonard Krog told NanaimoNewsNOW Roberts was a man beloved by many.

“He was a much-loved man who made lots of friends and was very active throughout his life. He was very witty, extremely charming and a handsome fellow. Graeme never looked his age, nor did he ever act his age.”

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For more than 20 years he volunteered with and supports the BC Games Society, having attended roughly 100 BC Games.

Roberts’ retired in Victoria after a political career and being on the board of numerous organizations, such as the B.C. Ferry Corporation, the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. and the Victoria Airport Authority.

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spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt