MOOSE JAW — Brian Acker, who worked for the City of Moose Jaw for nearly 35 years and finished his career as the director of finance, has died at the age of 65.
Acker died on Aug. 30, although his obituary did not list a cause of death.
Coun. Dawn Luhning posted a message on Facebook on Sept. 3, saying the news of Acker’s death was “quite a shock,” while she hoped that his family, especially his wife Pat, son Cody, and extended family, could find peace and comfort.
“Mr. Acker was a rock at city hall. He oozed knowledge about all the financial systems at the city and could provide us with numbers at the drop of a hat,” Luhning wrote.
The councillor noted that she was first elected to council in 2003, while Acker became the finance director in 2004, and was the only finance director she worked with at city hall.
“His professionalism, his knowledge, his love and (his) compassion for finances and numbers showed through in everything he gave us as councillors, and to the citizens of Moose Jaw over the years,” Luhning wrote.
“He was a trusted source for me, and I was looking forward to him helping his successor (Jaime Ansell) and passing on his financial knowledge to her, and to us for some time to come, even though he’d be leaving the building,” the councillor continued.
“He retired from his position on 22 August, and this news is hitting hard for all of us,” Luhning added. “Thank you, Mr. Acker, for everything you did for the City of Moose Jaw over the years and all the help and wisdom you provided me since my time on council. You are going to be terribly missed.”
Robert Thomas, with MJ Independent, said he worked for the Rosetown Eagle newspaper in the late 1980s when he met Acker, who was working as a financial controller for the community’s health centre.
Thomas described Acker as “highly proficient” and “very, very professional.”
“He used to come downtown for coffee the odd time, and he would use to sit with guys from the bank … ,” the reporter said, noting he had coffee with them sometimes. “At that time, you could see he was going to go someplace. He only went to one place (Moose Jaw), but he didn’t have to go any further than that.”
Thomas recalled humorously bugging Acker since he was from Kindersley and Rosetown had a heated hockey rivalry with the neighbouring community.
“He was a go-getter. He put a lot of extra hours (at work) … to get ahead,” Thomas added.
In an email, city hall said, "The City of Moose Jaw is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Acker, a respected former colleague and friend. Brian recently retired after 34 years of exemplary service to the City of Moose Jaw, including 20 years as director of financial services. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service left a lasting impact on our organization and Moose Jaw residents.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Brian’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will be remembered with gratitude and respect."
According to Acker’s obituary, he obtained his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985 and acquired his CMA and CPA accounting designations in 1990 and 2014. He worked as comptroller for the Rosetown and District Health Centre until he moved to Moose Jaw in January 1991.
He began working for the city and held various positions within the finance department, retiring as director of finance this past August.
“Brian loved the world of finance and was always striving to learn more and upgrade his knowledge,” his obituary said.
Acker was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Delbert Acker; mother, Lilian May Acker; brother-in-law, Tom Lloyd; sister-in-law, Sharon Acker; and mother and father-in-law, Doreen and James Lewicki. He left behind to mourn his wife of 36 years, Pat Acker (née Lewicki); son, Cody Acker, whom he was so very proud of; siblings Sheila (Doug) Francis, Maureen Lloyd, David Acker, and Lloyd (Susan) Acker; and numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
“Brian will be remembered for his love of all things financial, his super green thumb, his love of gardening and plants, and, of course, watching his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders games,” the obituary added. “He also loved sitting out in his front or back yard, identifying various birds and watching things grow. He will be missed and forever loved.”
The obituary added that the family planned to hold a private funeral ceremony at Rosedale Cemetery.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include comments from city hall and to correct the amount of time Acker worked for the city and as finance director.
