It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Jack Talstra, a long-time leader and Statesman of the City of Terrace.
Jack Talstra served as alderman from 1976 to 1981. After a brief respite from city council, Jack was sworn in officially as the mayor of Terrace on December 2, 1985 and served until November 2008, a total of 23 years as mayor and six years as Alderman. Jack holds the title as the longest serving mayor for the City of Terrace.
He also received many awards and recognitions for his achievements over the years including the Order of Terrace in 2009, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and just recently the honour of Freeman of the City was bestowed on him by city council.
“Jack was a true leader whose legacy will live on for generations,” mayor Carol Leclerc said today. “He believed in Terrace and the goodness of its people, and always worked in the best interests of the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
During his long tenure in office Jack saw many changes in the community. Throughout some difficult economic times his leadership remained steady. His vision for economic prosperity and his shrewd financial planning not only helped the community to weather the downturn of the forest industry but also positioned Terrace to take advantage of the opportunities we are now enjoying.
The Skeena Industrial Development Park in particular is a testament to Jack’s vision and it was very fitting that the road into the Park was recently renamed Jack Talstra Way. Jack showed outstanding community leadership during his time on council. His years of service have greatly enriched our community and he will be dearly missed.