By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Byron Flukor would be proud.
A walking trail in Tilbury has been named in honour of the West Kent politician posthumously recognizing his tireless service to his community for 40-plus years.
Located in Tilbury’s Memorial Park, the trail was favorite path for Fluker, who has been described as an ardent walker.
Fluker was first elected to municipal council in 1972 and served as mayor for the Town of Tilbury, prior to being elected to the inaugural council of the Municipality of Chatham in 1998 as a representative of Ward 1 (West Kent). Known as a straight shooter, he held the post until 2018.
Prior to council’s approval of the naming at a recent council meeting, West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson said she wanted to pay homage to a “dear, great friend.
“He was a wonderful man,” Anderson said. “He showed up for everything and was unapologetic in his decision-making tactics, whether it was popular or unpopular amongst his constituents. I respected him so much for that. He also kind of took me under his wing and included me in things, whether it was an invitation to a an update with MP Dave VanKestern or the weekly old-boy coffee sessions at Bowman’s Feeds.”
Anderson said Fluker “definitely inspired” her to not only look into a bigger role within politics, but to do it with an “honesty and a candor that only he could possess.”
The decision to name the trail came after input from a Let’s Talk CK survey and consultation with Fluker’s widow Nellie.
Fluker passed away Aug. 8, 2022 at the age of 76.
