Statement from Mayor Jeff Acker on the passing of former Mayor Ken Scott

Flags at City of Spruce Grove facilities have been lowered to half-mast to mourn the passing of former Mayor Ken Scott.

Ken served the people of Spruce Grove for 17 years - 11 as alderman and six years as mayor from 2001 to 2007, but his commitment to public service began years earlier with the Canadian Armed Forces. After a distinguished 17-year career which saw him rise to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major, Ken received an honourable discharge before turning his full attention to serving his community.

A long-standing member of the Spruce Grove branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Ken was also a respected business owner, operating Docherty’s Fish and Chips restaurant on McLeod Avenue for more than two decades.

Ken was deeply committed to supporting youth in the community, volunteering as a hockey coach and serving as President of Spruce Grove Minor Hockey. In a feature article for the most recent CityPulse magazine, he reflected on some of his proudest accomplishments as mayor, including collaborating with the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County on the development of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre, seeing the vision of Jubilee Park come to fruition, and helping establish Spruce Grove Transit, including the first regular commuter service between Spruce Grove and Edmonton.

In 2002, Ken was honoured with Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his passion and commitment to public service.

“Ken truly loved Spruce Grove and wanted the absolute best for this community,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “He was a wonderful mentor to me and many others, and it was always so great to meet Ken for a cup of coffee or lunch and catch up. I will miss seeing him at our annual mayor’s lunch and in his full red and white track suit that he proudly wore every Canada Day. On behalf of my City Council colleagues and the City of Spruce Grove, I extend my deepest condolences to Ken’s family and friends. He will be missed.”

City flags will remain at half-mast for seven days.