Langley City is saddened by the sudden passing of retired Langley City Fire Chief Jim McGregor, who passed away Thursday evening at his home in Langley.
Jim started with the Langley City Fire Department in 1970 as a volunteer firefighter. He became a paid Deputy Fire Chief in 1979 and was appointed Fire Chief in 1983. He served as Fire Chief until his retirement in 2006.
Jim was well known throughout the City, both through his work in the fire service and his many years of involvement in the community.
He knew a significant amount about the City and its history and was a natural storyteller. After retiring from the Fire Service, Jim began writing and went on to write more than 600 columns for the Langley Times. He was also a poet and author, including writer of Climb Higher, a tribute to the first responders who served and lost their lives during 9/11.
Jim also had a great sense of humour and always had a joke ready. He especially enjoyed hiring new firefighters because it meant he had a whole new audience who hadn't heard his jokes yet.
Through his volunteer work and other community involvement, Jim touched the lives of many people across the City. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, former colleagues at Langley City Fire Rescue and all those who had the opportunity to know him.
Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved Jim during this difficult time.