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A former Okanagan Valley politician is being remembered warmly after passing away Aug. 30.
Fred King, who represented the Okanagan-Similkameen from 1979 to 1988, died at Moog and Friends Hospice House in Penticton, at 93 years old.
King was born and raised in Kaleden, and as a young man served in the Royal Canadian Air force, where he was stationed in the Pacific during the Second World War.
Frederick King
— Dan Albas (@DanAlbas) August 30, 2016
June 11, 1923- August 30, 2016 #RIPhttps://t.co/H9MncSCail pic.twitter.com/rBQnKO3QZ0
After the war he worked as an orchardist and postmaster, before serving as a conservative MP.
After leaving office in 1988, King sat as the director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation, and in recent years worked to recognize veterans in his hometown.
In 2016 he also received an honorary doctorate of divinity from Carey Theological College in Vancouver.
Aug. 31 King was remembered for his kindness and strength of character, as well as his political support of Okanagan agriculture and youth.
“[Fred] could spot an underdog and he’d stick up for them. Best of all, he meant all his kind words,” James Miller wrote in a tribute published by the Penticton Herald.
I just heard about the passing of former Okanagan MP, Fred King. A veteran, public servant, and someone who will be missed. #bcpoli #cdnpoli
— Kent Hehr (@kenthehr) August 31, 2016
Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas remembered King as a friend and mentor.
“Geniality was fundamental to [Fred’s] character. He’d always smile, and he’d always offer a handshake, and always in that order,” Albas said of the man who encouraged him to get involved federally with the Conservative Party of Canada.
“I still remember his handshake.”
Albas praised King for his constant support of the Okanagan’s agricultural industry, and his work towards providing local young people with educational opportunities.
He recalled visiting with King a few weeks ago and seeing him in good spirits, surrounded by friends and family.
“Everyone should have a Fred King in their life; I will miss him greatly,” Albas said.
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