A well-known Okanagan historian has passed away.
Bill Barlee, former host of CHBC News’ award-winning show Gold Trails and Ghost Towns, died last Thursday.
Born in Grand Forks in 1932, Barlee grew up in Rossland surrounded by storytellers.
He taught in the South Okanagan and made contributions to preserve the history of B.C., particularly the province’s golden age during the gold rush.
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Over the years, Barlee collected memorabilia from the historic towns and mining regions he visited in his youth. Some estimates put his collection at more than $1 million. Those items are on loan to museums in Vancouver and across the country.
Barlee was instrumental in the construction of the historic KVR line. He secured tax dollars to save the rail line not only in Summerland but across the Southern Interior. He was also responsible for rescuing and restoring the Hedley Mine in the Similkameen.
He served as agriculture and tourism minister for the provincial NDP 1991 through 1996, after first being elected in 1988. He spearheaded the Buy B.C. program. Barlee attempted to get a federal seat with the Liberals in 2001 but lost the race to Jim Gouk.
Barlee was 79 years old. He is survived by his four children and his wife Kathleen Kyle Barlee.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
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