Ben Lee remembered in Kelowna

KELOWNA — The life of a man who was affectionately known at Rutland’s mayor was honoured in Kelowna on Saturday.

“Everyone here knows how selfless and devoted Ben Lee was to his family, to his profession and to his community,” said Kelowna mayor Colin Basran.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Everyone here knows how selfless and devoted Ben Lee was to his family, to his profession and to his community," said Kelowna mayor Colin Basran.

Lee, a former city councillor in Kelowna, passed away last weekend at the age of 86.

Flags were at half mast as dozens of local politicians, family members and supporters gathered at the park named after him.

“He accomplished a tremendous amount through quiet diplomacy and just working with people and that’s what I remember most about Ben. I’m honoured to have had him in my life and learned a lot from him,” said West Kelowna mayor Doug Findlater.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "He accomplished a tremendous amount through quiet diplomacy and just working with people and that's what I remember most about Ben. I'm honoured to have had him in my life and learned a lot from him," said West Kelowna mayor Doug Findlater.

Lee served as a councillor for 23 years and was a teacher by profession.

The crowd of about 200 people at Ben Lee Park attentively took in the speeches, all highlighting his dedication and service.

“He was honest, he was humble, he was straightforward, he was attentive, he was approachable. Ben was a remarkable man,” said former MLA Cliff Serwa.