Nick Volkow, a 24-year veteran of Burnaby city council, dies of cancer
Posted June 21, 2020 10:45 pm.
Last Updated June 22, 2020 5:15 am.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – A long-time Burnaby city councillor has passed away from brain cancer.
Nick Volkow had served on council since 1996.
Mayor Mike Hurley says Volkow was well-loved, and news of his death has been devastating.
He says Volkow, who was a truck driver before retiring, never forgot his working-class roots.
“He was very passionate about the issues within council. He really fought hard to get things for kids, like skateboard parks,” notes the mayor. “He was very passionate about Indigenous issues, doing the right thing for people. He was an incredible advocate.”
Volkow’s profile on the city’s website outlines how he helped develop four youth centres and two skateboard parks. It says “I wanted to help the City move forward on creating more opportunities for young people to gather and play in safe, supportive environments.”
Hurley says he was someone that everyone could work with.
“Our staff at city hall just loved Nick because he treated everyone there with respect, no matter what your level was at the city. He was kind to everyone.”
His colleague on council, Joe Keithley, calls him a friend and a mentor.
“He was a big, big lover of music, which was a big bond between the two of us. One of the things he helped originate was the Burnaby Blues and Roots Festival.”
Keithley, who is still a member of punk rock group D.O.A., says it was Volkow who helped him get elected in 2018.
“I worked with him off and on over the years when I was getting started in politics. He always had good ideas for me. He was totally patient and we had lunch together and stuff like that.”
As Keithley worked on a pet project, ‘Harmony for All,’ he looked to Volkow for advice.
“He said ‘Joe, that’s a great thing.’ He helped push it along. I thought if he could get the Blues and Roots off the ground maybe I could get this done. He was an inspiration.”
Volkow was diagnosed with brain cancer a few years ago.
Mayor Hurley says an appropriate memorial for the councillor will take shape over the coming weeks. He says a byelection to fill his seat might not be launched until COVID-restrictions are lifted.
Volkow was 67 and leaves behind adult children and grand children.
