The flags at Town Hall are being flown at half-mast in honour of former Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament James Abbott who passed away on Sunday, July 26 at the age of 77.
Jim was first elected in 1993 as a member of the Reform Party, and served he served five terms as MP of Kootenay-Columbia; his first three as a Reform Party MP and his final two with the Conservative Party of Canada after the two parties were merged. He served for 18 years, until choosing to retire in 2011.
“Jim Abbott was a true gentleman and leader, who was deeply connected with not only his constituents, but everyone who had the honour of knowing him”, said Mayor Ron Toyota. “I have had the pleasure of being personally acquainted with Jim and his family for over 40 years. We were friends before he was MP and I honestly believe that his personal and political success was due in large part to the fact that he always remained true to himself – his beliefs, his character, his family, his heart. On behalf of Council and the Town of Creston, I would like to extend my condolences to Jim’s wife Jeannette and his family. May he rest in peace." ❤️