Sooke Recognizes the Service of Councillor Lillian Szpak

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the sudden passing of City of Langford Councillor Lillian Szpak.

Sooke is a community that understands the value of showing up for one another. Today, we stand alongside our neighbours in Langford in mourning. On behalf of the District of Sooke Council and the community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lillian’s husband, Bob, and to all who knew and loved her.

For more than two decades, Lillian gave her time, energy, and care in service to her community—both as an elected official and as a volunteer. Her long-standing commitment reflects a deep belief in community and in contributing to something larger than oneself. That kind of dedication leaves a lasting mark, not only in the communities she served, but in the people she worked alongside.

Across the region, local government is built on relationships—on people working together to support their communities. Lillian was deeply engaged in that work, contributing not only at the council table in Langford, but across the region through her service on the Capital Regional District Board, the Capital Regional Hospital District Board, and the Capital Region Housing Corporation Board. She also served two terms as Chair of the Regional Water Supply Commission, reflecting her commitment to the essential services that sustain our communities. Through this work, she helped shape not only Langford, but the broader region we all share.

In Sooke, we recognize that public service is, at its core, an act of care. Lillian’s decades of service reflect that care in action.

We join in remembering her and in holding space for those who are grieving this loss. She will be missed.

In honour of Councillor Szpak, flags at the District of Sooke Municipal Hall have been lowered to half-mast.