The Town of Comox is inviting the community to pay respects and celebrate the legacy of its former mayor Russ Arnott.
The celebration will be held on Feb. 19 at the Comox Community Centre at 3 p.m. They say a book for condolences has been set up at the town hall since his passing, and residents are invited to sign it before the service.
Instead of flowers, the town asks you to donate to any local charity with Arnott’s wishes in mind.
Arnott was mayor of the town from 2018 to 2022, serving on council beforehand. Arnott planned to run for mayor in last year’s election but withdrew for health reasons.
He was awarded Freedom of the Town in October. The town announced his passing on Nov. 11.
Mayor Nicole Minions says he was an inspiration for the council through his commitment to the community.
“He really showed up in all areas of his life whether it was his family, his career with the Coast Guard, or the base and also in the volunteer work he did,” said Minions. “He was always really integrated in this community and I think a lot of people knew him for that reason.”
Minions adds that Arnott is an inspiration for her heading forward as mayor.
“Whether you’re on your work schedule or you just are sort of meeting people in the street or having conversations, it’s really being open to hearing how people are doing with their work, their life and also just not taking your role too seriously while at the same time doing what’s best,” said Minions.
