Former Vancouver city councillor Jim Green died at the age of 68 after losing his battle with lung cancer.
He passed away peacefully in his home at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday surrounded by family members, according to a statement released by Mayor Gregor Robertson’s office.
“Jim’s record was one of consistent and tireless activism for social justice, democracy, the arts and the shaping of a fair, inclusive and sustainable city,” said Robertson.
Green was born in Birmingham, Ala., in 1943 and moved to Vancouver in 1968 to avoid being drafted in the Vietnam War.
A longtime social and housing activist, Green was elected to city council under the Coalition of Progressive Electors banner in 2002. Along with then-mayor Larry Campbell and councillors Raymond Louie and Tim Stevenson, he went on to form Vision Vancouver.
In 2005, he narrowly lost to Sam Sullivan in a bid to become mayor.
On Sunday, Green was awarded the Freedom of the City award, Vancouver’s highest honour, for his work with the Downtown Eastside Residents Association and his success in bringing low-income housing to the neighbourhood.
Coun. Geoff Meggs hopes Green’s legacy will leave a lasting impact on the city he loved.
“He encouraged people to be creative and to struggle to achieve ideas that seemed impossible, rather than just be content with the status quo,” said Meggs.
Last night the park board unanimously passed a motion to identify green space in his honour.
Details of a public memorial have not been released.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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