Former Merritt Mayor passes away

Q101 news has learned that former City of Merritt Mayor Neil Menard has passed away.

He was 80-years-of-age.

Menard entered the political circle in February of 2014 winning a byelection following the resignation of Alastair Murdoch.

He then threw his cowboy hat into the mayoralty ring in the November 2014  civic election where he defeated incumbent mayor Susan Roline and Mike Jolly for the city’s top job.

An avid community supporter, Menard was President and Governor of the Merritt Centennials Hockey Club. He also worked with Nicola Valley Ground Search and Rescue and was also a strong advocate for alcohol and drug counselling in the area.

In 2018, Menard was unsuccessful in his reelection bid losing to then city-councilor Linda A. Brown.

More details to come…