Clarke Gourlay passed away following a hiking accident at Strathcona Provincial Park on Saturday, June 29.  Gourlay was serving his first term in office as an RDN director. (Little Qualicum Cheeseworks)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Tragic accident

RDN director passes away in hiking accident

Jul 2, 2019 | 5:04 AM

NANAIMO — A well known mid-island business leader turned politician has passed away in a hiking accident at Strathcona Provincial Park.

Clarke Gourlay, of family-owned Little Qualicum Cheeseworks and Mooberry Winery, died following an accident late Saturday night on a mountain in the vast park.

He was serving his first term in office as area G director.

Regional District of Nanaimo board chair Ian Thorpe said he was shocked to hear about the terrible tragedy.

“The Regional District of Nanaimo is going to miss Mr. Gourlay tremendously,” Thorpe said. “I had great admiration for his passions, skills and dedication to the job he was doing.”

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Thorpe said Gourlay had a great sense of humour, was well respected and he didn’t play political games.

“He always had a smile on his face, a cheerful attitude and very willing to step in and help out if there was an issue,” Thorpe said.

A byelection will be held in the coming weeks to fill the large void left by Gourlay. Alternate Director Joe Stanhope will take on the rule until the byelection.

Gourlay leaves behind a wife of 30 years, three sons and two grandchildren.

Condolences flooded social media after news of his passing was announced.

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