Mayor Al Raine has died just a day after formally resigning as mayor due to ALS. Al has been the only elected mayor of the Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality since it was incorporated in 2010. Al with his wife Nancy Greene Raine – a former Olympian and Canadian senator – were passionate about the community of Sun Peaks, dedicating energy and time to developing the municipality into a great home and destination.
“I have been lucky to have lived a full life with no regrets, with a supporting and wonderful wife, two healthy boys and a life full of adventures,” he wrote in his letter of resignation to council. “I would have been upset if I were 38 years old and diagnosed with ALS but at 83, the best years are behind me.”
Al announced his diagnosis in May, with plans to transfer mayoral duties to Sun Peaks’ four councillors rotating as deputy mayor. He remained actively involved for the rest of the year.
“I want to see an affordable non-market employee housing project approved and under construction, and then I want to see a First Nations/provincial/municipal agreement on reconciliation and revenue sharing and recognition of Sun Peaks with our neighbouring bands. I hope that I have enough time left,” he told reporters at the time.
ALS is a degenerative disease for which there is no known cure. By December the disease had progressed to the point where Al submitted his formal resignation from council. According to a friend, he skied for the last time just over a week before he died. Learn more about Al’s life and work as Mayor.
A celebration of life is planned for January 15, 2025, 4 - 6 pm at the Sun Peaks Centre.