Russ Arnott, the former mayor of Comox, has passed after a battle with cancer.
Mayor Nicole Minions offered condolences in a statement from the town and on social media on behalf of the staff of Comox and members of council to his wife, Yolanda, his children, family members, friends and co-workers.
“When you think about service, you think about Russ and what he accomplished both professionally and personally,” said Minions. “It seems almost everyone has a story or a special moment that reflects his nature of giving and now we need to share these stories to keep and move forward his vision of positive change.”
Minions says his legacy will continue in the “lessons he taught and the positive change he brought into Comox.”
In a statement emailed to our newsroom, Comox councillor Dr. Jonathan Kerr says “I will forever be grateful for how he welcomed me to the council table. Comox has lost a great leader and person today. My thoughts are with his family.”
Arnott had planned to run for re-election in October, but was forced to withdraw just one day prior to the closing of nominations.
In early September he posted on his mayor’s Facebook Page, “I’ve had a great run these past four years (11 altogether as councillor) and cherished every moment serving you but life has very recently thrown me a curve ball that I did not see coming.”
In early October, Comox council gave Arnott the Freedom of the Town at a special council meeting with members of his family and friends present.
Arnott lived in Comox for 26 years, raising a family and serving as a councillor.
He was elected as mayor in 2018.
