Members or Lloydminster City Council and administration are honouring the life and achievements of former mayor Ilston Plant, who passed away on February 26 at the age of 91.
Serving as mayor from 1995 to 2000 and as a city councillor from 1992 to 1994, Plant left his mark on the Lloydminster community. He played a significant role in the early development of the west-end retail centre known as the Power Centre; Plant was also instrumental in the planning and construction of the modern-day City Hall. Mayor Gerald Aalbers says his passing is sad, and his work will be remembered.
“While we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Mayor Plant, this council and administration are taking this time to reflect on the many positive ways he helped shape this great community as a politician and business leader,” says Aalbers.
Plant is remembered as tireless community builder with a deep-rooted passion for public service. His son Daryl Plant remembers him fondly and saw him as a role model.
“Dad set a good example for all of us in terms of community involvement and contributions to our little
corner of the world,” says Plant.
Plant began his business career operating the North End Grocery, a convenience store on 50 avenue north; later he opened Ilston B. Plant Agencies, a general insurance brokerage and eventually operated Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lloydminster with business partner Jack Allen.
As facilities administrator for Lloydminster Public School Division, Plant oversaw new construction and orchestrated the physical move of the Barr Colony School building from its original site on 45 avenue to its present location on 52 avenue.
He married Doreen Anthony in Lloydminster on August 2, 1949 and had five children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren at the time of his passing. The Plant family is planning a private memorial and ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. Cooke Resident Comfort Fund and the Lloydminster & District SPCA.
Flags will be lowered at City Hall from March 1 until March 4, and a moment of silence will be held at the next City Council meeting on Monday, March 11.