Flags at all federal buildings and agencies in Chilliwack are flying at half-mast to commemorate the recent death of former Representative Chuck Strahl.

They will be lowered from now until sunset on August 19th to honor the popular and respected local politician.

He represented Chilliwack and the surrounding area for 18 years as a member of the House of Commons and as a Cabinet Minister in the Harper government, holding several key positions.

The former lumberjack and current politician was elected as a member of parliament in six elections.

The flags will fly at half-mast “in accordance with the Rules for Flying the National Flag of Canada at Half-Staff (Section 7),” according to a post by his son, MP Mark Strahl.

“In addition, the flags on all Government of Canada buildings and facilities in the City of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and the flag on the Peace Tower in Ottawa will fly at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on August 23, 2024, the day of the memorial service for the late Chuck Strahl.”

The flags follow the state ceremonies and protocols of the Canadian government’s Department of Canadian Heritage.

Strahl died on August 13, 2024 at the age of 67 from complications of mesothelioma, a type of cancer associated with asbestos.

There are numerous honors for the popular statesman, who entered federal politics in 1993. Here is just a selection of some of them.

Former MP Barry Penner was saddened to learn of the former MP’s death.

“Chuck was an important mentor in my early days as MP for Chilliwack and I greatly appreciated his support and advice. It was also a great honour to share some family meals with the Strahls. My thoughts are with his wife Deb and their children and grandchildren … and their many friends who will feel this terrible loss.”

Former MP John Les said his years of public service overlapped with Strahl’s throughout the 18 years.

Les called Chuck “a good friend and fellow politician.”

“Chuck’s leadership, integrity and acumen were unmatched. He was widely and rightly respected.

“Despite all his achievements, his family always came first in his life… I visited him just a few weeks ago and although his illness was taking its toll, I fully expected to visit him again. What a shock that he has passed away.

“My condolences to all who were near and dear to him. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Laurie Throness, who worked for him in Ottawa, called Strahl a “dear friend” and the “best of all people” in his post.

“Strahl was wise, highly intelligent and well-read, an astute writer, serious and cheerful, a deeply sincere, old-fashioned gentleman with an impeccable character, excessively generous, always cheerful, funny and really witty, a pious and faithful husband and father.

“That’s why I’m sad today. But what a gift and privilege to have known Chuck Strahl, lived with him and worked with him.”

A celebration of the life of Charles (Chuck) Richard Strahl will be held on Friday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Road.