West Kelowna is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and dedicated citizens.
Rusty Ensign—former city councillor, local businessman, and lifelong community champion—died last week at age 65. He was known not only for his service on the city council but for decades of volunteerism and advocacy that left a lasting mark on the community.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the City of West Kelowna shares the news of the passing of former city councillor and beloved community member Rusty Ensign,” said Mayor Gord Milsom during a council’s June 24 meeting. “Rusty was a true pillar of West Kelowna. His courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to the community uplifted countless lives.”
Born and raised in West Kelowna, Ensign built a sand and gravel, heavy equipment, trucking, and contracting business alongside his two brothers. Together with their sister, they later developed the Shannon Heights subdivision.
In 1983, a rugby accident left Ensign a quadriplegic. He was elected to West Kelowna City Council in 2014 and served until 2018. Though unsuccessful in his 2018 and 2022 re-election bids, his commitment to the city never wavered.
“Rusty was the champion of Royal LePage Place,” Mayor Milsom said, reflecting on one of Ensign’s proudest legacies.
Ensign also served with the Lakeview Irrigation District, was the founding director of the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association, and played a role in the Mount Boucherie Expansion Society. More recently, he continued to serve as chair of West Kelowna’s Accessibility and Inclusion Committee.
He also left his mark through service on the West Kelowna Board of Variance and as president of the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce.
Milsom noted that Ensign had a deep love for sports and community spirit. From 1983 to 2022, he organized the annual Ensign Cup benefit rugby game — an event that raised funds for spinal cord research, the Rick Hansen Man in Motion World Tour, and youth sports safety initiatives.
As a leader in the Kinsmen Club of Westbank, Ensign was instrumental in building sports fields that continue to serve the community today, the mayor pointed out. He also served as fundraising director for the Westside Ringette Association (2012–2016) and was a founding director of the Westside Minor Fastball Association.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rusty’s family, friends, and the many organizations and individuals whose lives he touched,” Milsom said.
A celebration of life for Rusty Ensign will be held on August 9. More details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
