It is with heavy hearts and sadness that Northern Sunrise County has learned of the passing of former employee Mike Gagnon on March 24, 2021.
Mike provided assessment services to Northern Sunrise County for 43 years, first in his role with the Provincial Government for Improvement District #17 West and later as the County’s first Assessor when the County was formed (originally Municipal District of East Peace No. 131). Mike retired from Northern Sunrise County in the Fall of 2020 as the County’s first employee to reach the milestone of 26 years of service. There were always plans to have a big celebration recognizing Mike’s dedication to the County; however, the pandemic and the restrictions in place prohibited us from bringing this celebration and acknowledgement to reality. For that we are deeply sorry. Mike truly was a dedicated employee. His sense of duty and responsibility served him and the County well over his years of employment. His knowledge and history of the municipality and the lands within were second to none.
Mike was first and foremost a husband, father, and grandfather; sharing with all of us pictures and accolades of his wife, children, and grandchildren and extended family. And, he was and always will be an Assessor. His pride in his chosen lifelong career and the County were evident always. We will miss him at the lunch room coffee table building puzzles, sharing stories of past experiences and excitement out in the field (and there were many stories); visiting with residents at the County celebrations; and sharing his beloved spreadsheets with Council throughout the years.
“Mike was a dedicated employee to the County. We were lucky to have him be our Assessor and friend for 43 years. He provided the County a lifetime of service and was the epitome of a servant leader,” said Reeve Kolebaba.
Flags have been lowered at Northern Sunrise County facilities for the next week in memory of Mike.