Longtime Saanich councillor and CRD Director Vic Derman dead at 72.

Derman was first elected to Saanich Council in 2002 and also served on the CRD Board since 2005.

Former Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard served on council with Derman for 12 years. “You knew where he stood. He was very determined and principled. This is a huge loss for obviously his wife and family but also for our Saanich family.”

Leonard says Derman was hard on climate change long before it became popular in mainstream media.

Colleagues are remembering him as someone who championed the environment and social rights.

“When I think of Vic, I think about his passion for the environment, social issues, housing and then of course his daughter had Lyme disease so he really got passionate about that as well: said current Saanich Coun. Judy Brownoff.

Council members received emails from District informing them of Dermans passing on Saturday.

Saanich Mayor Richard Atwell issued this statement through the District: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Vic Derman’s passing. This is a profound loss for Saanich and tragic news for our community."

Saanich Coun. Colin Plant tweeted: “Such a loss for all who knew him. Thoughts are with his family. He did a lot for Saanich and I will miss his wisdom and integrity.”

Prior to being elected to Council, Derman was a physical education teacher in the Greater Victoria School District.

Born and raised in Saanich, Derman was famous for riding his bike to council and to CRD meetings from his home in Saanich.

A cause of death is not known yet but members of council say he had been battling a sickness for weeks and had missed multiple meetings.