One of Penticton’s most popular retired politicians has died.

Ivan Messmer, mayor of Penticton from 1980 – 1986 and later the MLA for Boundary Similkameen from 1986 – 1991 died at his home in Penticton, Sunday. He was 83.

Born in Barrhead, Alberta, he moved to Penticton in 1967 where he built houses in duplexes in Summerland as well as building and owning Peacock’s Perch Pub in Summerland.

He served as mayor for six years before being elected MLA under the Social Credit banner where he was later promoted to Cabinet serving as Solicitor General and Minister of Parks.

“Ivan was a straight shooter and said it like it was,” said Penticton MLA Dan Ashton. “He did a great job for the City of Penticton when he was mayor and I’ve heard nothing but good about him in Victoria.

“Ivan was fiercely loyal and cared deeply about the City of Penticton and Province of British Columbia.”