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Castlegar city councillor Kevin Chernoff dies suddenly

Councillor Kevin Chernoff passed away suddenly this morning at 55.
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Councillor Kevin Chernoff

Castlegar city councillor Kevin Chernoff has died at 55.

According to a press release issued by the City of Castlegar, Chernoff “passed away suddenly this morning.”

“On behalf of city council, I want to express our shock and dismay at the sudden passing of one of our fellow councillors, said Mayor Lawrence Chernoff (who is no relation) in the release.

“Kevin has long been a valuable member of our council and our community. He gave generously of his time and of his company’s resources in supporting initiatives that have helped the city move forward in so many ways.”

The flag at City Hall was lowered to half mast this morning in Chernoff’s memory. He had served on council since 2005. He sat on all city committees at different times and acted as deputy mayor. He was "keenly interested in new innovative technologies for the city" and in the future of the regional airport, the release said.

The cause of death wasn't immediately available.

Although born in Trail, Chernoff spent his entire life in Castlegar. He operated Trowlex Rentals and Sales, an industrial equipment business he took over from his father Nick, who died in late March.

"We're a family business," Chernoff said in a 2011 interview. "I've always felt a strong sense of community. There probably isn't an event around that we don't do something with."

He is survived by his wife Trish, daughter Megan, mother Vera, brother Harold, and sister Shelly.