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Former City of Richmond councillor and school trustee, Linda McPhail

Photo courtesy City of Richmond

Farewell dear friend, until we meet again...

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 4:51 PDT, Fri August 16, 2024

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I first met Linda two decades ago and like everyone that Linda let into her life and called friend was something to be cherished. She was loved and respected for her professionalism and dedication in her career as school trustee and city councillor. When she decided in 2022 not to run in the city election even though she had her reasons, it was tough to see her step down.

On Aug. 30, 2020 Linda wrote on her Facebook: As the world fights to figure everything out, I’ll be holding doors for strangers, letting people cut in front of me in traffic, saying good morning, keeping babies entertained in grocery lines, stopping to talk to someone who is lonely, tipping generously, waving at police, sharing food, giving children a thumbs-up, being patient with sales clerks, smiling at passersby, and buying a stranger a cup of coffee.

WHY? Because I will not stand to live in a world where love is invisible. Join me in showing kindness, understanding, and judging less. Be kind to a stranger, give grace to friends who are having a bad day, be forgiving with yourself.

This morning I stopped on the way to work and had coffee with a stranger. After a brief chat, I asked if he knew Linda McPhail. He paused, then said “I cannot find the words to describe what a wonderful woman Linda was, she had such a kind, positive impact on everyone she touched.”

Mayor Malcolm Brodie said “Linda was a passionate volunteer who served her community in many ways. Linda was always dedicated to engaging citizens and was committed to making Richmond a strong and vibrant community that people would be proud to call home.”

It is with sadness the City of Richmond has learned of the passing of former long-time city councillor and school trustee Linda McPhail.

First elected to Richmond City Council in 2011, Linda McPhail served three terms before announcing she would not be seeking re-election in 2022. Prior to that, she sat as a school trustee with the Richmond Board of Education from 2002 to 2011, serving as chair for seven years.

While on council, she spent time as chair of the Community Safety Committee, and as a member of the city’s Finance, General Purposes, Public Works, Transportation, Parks and Recreation and Cultural Services committees. She also took on roles as Council Liaison to several advisory committees, organizations and community associations including the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee, West Richmond Community Association and Richmond Public Library.

Linda McPhail served on the UBCM executive as one of two regional representatives, as well as the Metro Vancouver Regional District Regional Culture committee, and as the mayor's alternate to the TransLink Mayors’ Council.

Outside of her elected roles, Linda McPhail was an active member of the community and a passionate volunteer. She was on the boards of the Seafair Minor Hockey Association and Richmond Arenas Community Association, volunteered for the 2009 BC Seniors Games in Richmond, and was a member of the local Hospital Auxiliary for over 20 years.

“Linda was known and much loved for her warmth and compassion, and her commitment to respect and represent the people of Richmond in a professional and inclusive manner,” Mayor Brodie added. “She always described herself as a ’proud resident’ who called Richmond home for over six decades, raising three children with her husband Terry. City Council, on behalf of the City of Richmond, extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to Linda’s family.” There are no words to express the loss we are all feeling, the memories we’ll cherish forever…

As a sign of recognition and respect, City Hall will lower flags to half-mast on the day of her memorial service, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Richmond Funeral Home, 8420 Cambie Road.