Former Oak Bay mayor Nils Jensen passed away on Sunday at the age of 69, following a short battle with cancer.
The community remembers Jensen fondly as a compassionate man who served Oak Bay passionately for over 20 years.
He was first elected to Oak Bay Council in 1996, and served there until he was elected mayor in 2011. He would keep the seat for two terms, until 2018. He was also the chair of the CRD’s water board for over a decade.
“Sad news for Oak Bay and the region, Nils contributed a lot to our community and will be missed,” said current mayor Kevin Murdoch on social media. “My prayers are with his family.”
Jensen is survived by his wife, Jean, and two sons, Stewart and Nicholas.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Oak Bay High School Community Theatre.
Premier John Horgan said that he was “very saddened” to hear of Jensen’s passing, and Victoria school district trustee Ryan Painter said that he was “devastated” by the news of his friend’s passing.
“I’m devastated at the news of the loss of my dear friend, and pillar of Oak Bay, Nils Jensen,” said Painter in a Facebook post. “Nils was a powerhouse, a brilliant man, and cared so much about his community and the people who lived in it.”
“I will always remember Nils’ words to me as a budding politician: ‘Keep community in your heart, and it’s people your focus.’”
https://www.facebook.com/ryan.l.painter/posts/10156766792795081
Nils Jensen memorial service
- When: April 11, 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Oak Bay Highschool, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd
