Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips remembered as genuine, honest

A Saskatchewan MLA is being remembered for his dedication to politics and keeping the best interests of those he represented in focus.

Melfort MLA, and the city’s former mayor, Kevin Phillips died suddenly at the age of 63 on Monday.

Rick Lang, the current mayor of Melfort, has worked closely with Phillips over the years.

“He was genuine and had a really good sense of humour and really good way with people,” Lang said.

“Kevin accomplished some amazing things while he was mayor and one of them was the construction of the Kerry Vickar Centre.”

Lang noted there was outstanding growth for the city under Phillips’ leadership.

“He always tried to do what was right and what was best. And he worked very, very hard at trying to accomplish different things for his constituency,” Lang said.

The mayor told 650 CKOM he has spoken with others who say Phillips was well liked.

“He was a person that they felt very comfortable and very secure with and they felt that he was very genuine and honest,” Lang said.

Phillips was first elected to the legislature in 2011, and re-elected in 2016.

Melfort is located 175 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.

— With files from Celine Grimard.