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Coast Mountains school board chair dies

Coast Mountains school board chair Barry Pankhurst died suddenly yesterday while in Vancouver.

Coast Mountains school board chair Barry Pankhurst died suddenly yesterday while in Vancouver.

The district announced his unexpected death in a press release this afternoon. The cause has yet to be determined.

Kitimat trustee Pankhurst, 61,  served on the Coast Mountains school board for 17 years, and was one of the longest-serving trustees in the north of B.C.

“It is with a very great sadness and surprise to learn of this loss,” said Diana Penner, a former Terrace trustee who served with Pankhurst for nine years on the Coast Mountains school board.

“Barry has devoted tons of time to the school district, and has committed countless hours,” Penner said. “His heart has always been with children and the betterment of education in the pacific northwest.”

“It is not only a really sad thing for his family but it is a sad thing for our community to have lost someone with his compassion,” Penner continued.

Details regarding service arrangements will be shared as soon as possible, said the press release.