Popular Area E Director for the Regional District of East Kootenay, Norm Walter, passed away of an apparent heart attack on Monday, December 6, 2010. Walter was in his third term as Director.

Regional District Board Chair Scott Manjak said Monday that staff and elected officials at the RDEK were grief stricken and in shock at the news.

"Our first thoughts are for his wife Jane and family, and we send our condolences," Manjak said. "We were shocked and very, very saddened by the news. From an RDEK Board perspective, we're at a loss for words. We're overwhelmed with grief."

Manjak said Walter was passionate about his community, Area E of the Regional District, and loved being a director.

"He took his job very seriously, he was kind to the staff and he knew his area and the issues very well."

Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie said the news came as a great surprise.

"I got to know Norm fairly well through the Regional District, Ogilvie said. "He was a person who put a lot of thought into whatever issue he was pursuing. He always had in mind to do what his taxpayers were looking for. He had an open door policy and anyone could call him at any time. He will be missed."

Ogilvie said Walter was active and involved right to the end.

"He was at the RDEK meeting on Friday and at Wasa on Friday night for the Wasa Lions Christmas party and was out there again on Saturday to help clean up."

At the end of the last meeting he attended as a Regional District director, Walter joined the other directors in an exchange of best wishes for the holiday and the coming New Year. And true to his nature, he said he found it "refreshing"to be sitting around a table devoid of party politics and so different from the antics in Victoria.

Ogilvie says that the same rules apply as with a municipality and a date will be set for a by-election.