By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Rural Oliver representative Rick Knodel has died from health complications this morning (Jan. 7), leaving friends and colleagues in shock and sadness.
Knodel was the well liked and highly respected representative for Area C (Rural Oliver) with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) and also chaired the RDOS’ Planning and Development Committee.
The RDOS and Town of Oliver paid tribute to Knodel saying his sudden passing was “a loss for the South Okanagan,” noting he was committed to addressing local issues, fostering community development, and preserving the unique character of the South Okanagan-Similkameen region.”
Knodel was also a long-time member of the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department which wrote on its social media page today: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our most beloved department members, Area C Director Rick Knodel, due to health complications.
“We have never been as fortunate before to have had such a giving and caring supporter of both the fire department and of his community. Rick always fought hard for what he believed in and always took the time to ensure the people around him, as well as his constituents, were taken care of. Please keep Rick and his family in your hearts,” the fire department said.
Rick Knodel
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said he was shocked and saddened when he received the unexpected news this morning. “I hadn’t heard that he had any imminent, serious health issues,” he said adding that the last time the two spoke was just before Christmas. “I talked him on the phone for quite a bit, and he never mentioned anything. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this tough time,” he added.
“He was a great friend and I’m going to miss him dearly,” says Johansen who got to know Knodel after being elected as mayor in 2018.
“He was a great resource for information when I first got elected, and we met regularly all the time over coffee and talked about local issues and how we could make things better. So, yeah, I’m really going miss him.”
Johansen reflected the view of many who saw in Knodel “a dedicated person, very smart, very well informed.” He added that Knodel always made sure that he knew everything that he needed to know about an issue, and then he would start advocating for it.
This he said was “really a good strategy, because in my experience of advocating, the more that you know about the subject, the better chance you have it being able to have conversations.”
Rick Knodel, RDOS Electoral Area “C” Director (third from right) was keenly involved in supporting the acquisition of a new Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre bus.
Knodel was also well known for his sense of humour, often throwing out one line zingers during RDOS meetings, sometimes stretching the boundaries of political correctness.
“He was well liked by everybody. I’ve never, never heard anything honestly negative about Rick,” Johansen said, adding that he was always open to ideas, and very generous with some of the funds that he had available to himself that were somewhat discretionary, like gas tax money and things like that.”
In fact, one of his most recent investments was in the Town of Oliver for the new basketball court where he contributed $100,000 of his discretionary budget. “He was always focused on youth and things for youth and felt that recreation was a great avenue to get youth engaged and on the right path.”
Johansen notes that aside from the basketball court Knodel was a keen contributor to the skate park, and along with Oliver council was looking at a pump track as well. His investments in the local community extended to the community centre as well, among others.
“I know that heritage was another thing that Rick was very passionate about, and wanting to make sure that those stories and the history didn’t get lost. I remember him talking about the “ditch” passionately many times.”
Knodel was also very involved with the old Fairview townsite above Oliver. “Anything to do with heritage,” Johansen noted, adding that he and Knodel had been talking recently about all the historical documents, photos and items that were still in the BC Tree Fruits building in Oliver.
Mark Pendergraft (left), RDOS board chair, and Area C RDOS director Rick Knodel (right) showing Minister of Agriculture Pam Alexis (centre) the fruits of the provincial investment in 2023.
Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Board Chair and Representative for Electoral Area A (Rural Osoyoos), similarly noted that Knodel took his job very seriously, was very responsive and tried to always do what was best for the residents in the area.
“He was known for his down-to-earth personality and tireless advocacy on behalf of residents, business owners, and agricultural producers. His commitment to sustainable growth, agricultural stewardship, and fiscal responsibility earned him the respect of colleagues, staff, and residents alike.”
Pendergraft also highlighted Knodel’s particular interest in local government which saw him forge tight connections with Oliver councillors and staff.
He added that Knodel had a knack for getting along with everybody and that particular personality trait served him well as a politician.
“It was definitely his nature, and I think it was one of his stronger suits because he was well-liked, so people were willing to sit down and have a discussion with him on different ideas, and quite often, he was able to convince people it might be worth trying it his way,” he chuckles, adding it’s a “rarity”.
Pendergraft adds that over the years at the Regional District, Knodel “became a close friend, and I think he did a great job for his constituents, and I know that he really enjoyed his job, which showed, and I think that’s part of why he came across as being so keen on what he’s doing.”
Knodel served as Electoral Area “C” Director from October 20, 2018, until his passing. He previously served one term as an alternate director. Before entering local government, he worked for many years as a boilermaker, which often took him far from home for extended periods. He grew up in the Oliver area and was an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
The RDOS Board recognizes the profound impact this loss will have on the community and is offering support to Director Knodel’s family during this difficult time.
Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff also expressed sadness at the loss of Knodel adding that while she knew he had health issues it still came as a shock. McKortoff chuckles as she recalls that she would always call him “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi”, the mongoose from Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” who bravely defends his home from the cobras in an allegory about bravery and courage in the face of evil.
Like others McKortoff noted that he always fought for the residents of Area C saying, “he was particularly concerned about making sure that they got the best amount for their tax dollars,” something that he put a lot of hours into. “He was really good at researching things and finding out what would work best,” she added.
And again his disarming sense of humour was highlighted. “He had an amazing sense of humour, he just said the funniest things. And when he would explain something we’d all be in stitches at the [RDOS] board table, because he just had a knack for coming up with the oddest interpretations of things, but a smart cookie. He was dedicated to doing his best, and I’m sure he put in many, many, many hours.”
McKortoff worked alongside Knodel in various capacities including at the RDOS, Okanagan Basin Water Board, and through regional and provincial bodies such as the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
McKortoff summed it up when she said: “He was just a really good guy, really a nice, nice man . . . we’re all going to miss him.”
As for his now vacant position, Area C alternate Irwin Chahal has been asked if he’s willing to fill the vacancy on the RDOS board, said Pendergraft. He notes that the way the legislation reads, it’s up to the alternative director if they want to take on the role or not.
“He’s been approached and is aware of what’s going on, but I think he needs a little bit of time to decide whether he wants to take it on full time or not, but it’s more or less up to him, and if that isn’t what happens, then the Regional District either has to try to find somebody to replace him, or maybe do a by-election. So those decisions will be in the future, I’m unsure at this stage,” he said.
Official arrangements will be announced later this week.
