Saskatchewan MLAs on both sides of the aisle are mourning the sudden death of Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips.
The provincial government announced the news Tuesday morning. Phillips was 63.
Phillips is well known in the Melfort area. He was first elected to the legislature in 2011 and re-elected in 2016.
Prior to becoming an MLA, Phillips was the Mayor of Melfort.
In the legislature, he served in several important positions, including deputy whip.
The Saskatchewan Party praised Phillips’ work securing a new domestic violence shelter for Melfort, the first opened in the province since 1989.
Phillips is survived by his wife April, four children and several grandchildren.
Flags at the legislature have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Phillips.
Both Premier Brad Wall and Interim Opposition Leader Nicole Sarauer shared their condolences.
“Today, we join with the many who are mourning the sudden and devastating loss of Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips,” Sarauer said in a written statement.
“Kevin worked hard for his constituents and served them faithfully and wholeheartedly. Kevin will be both missed greatly around his home community, but within the walls of the Legislature as well. He was a well-respected MLA on both sides of the aisle.
“On behalf of the Official Opposition and all Saskatchewan New Democrats, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Kevin’s wife April and their family for this tremendous and tragic loss,” Sarauer continued.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are also with the Saskatchewan Party caucus and staff for their loss of a colleague and dear friend.”
“All of Kevin’s friends and colleagues are shocked and saddened by his sudden and unexpected passing,” Wall said in his statement.
“Kevin was back in Regina yesterday, getting ready for another week of doing what he loved to do – representing the people of Melfort in the Assembly – so his passing was completely without warning.
“Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Kevin’s wife April, and his children and grandchildren.”
