Community members are invited to a public gathering to honour the life and legacy of the Honourable Dan Coulter (February 23, 1975 – December 12, 2024) on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at All Sappers Memorial Park in Chilliwack.
The program will centre on community remembrance, with tributes from family, friends, colleagues, and local leaders reflecting on Mr. Coulter’s service to Chilliwack, his leadership in public education, and his commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
“Dan led with grit, kindness, and a belief in people’s potential,” said Kelli Paddon, event co-organizer and former MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “This gathering is about remembering the friend, neighbour, and leader he was - and helping the next generation carry that spirit forward.”
In keeping with Mr. Coulter’s roots in the skilled trades, organizers will introduce the Dan Coulter Memorial Scholarship to support SD33 students pursuing trades.
For those who wish to contribute, optional donations will be accepted at the event; information about online giving will be shared on site.
The focus of the afternoon remains remembrance and community connection.
Attendees can expect brief remarks, moments of reflection, and the opportunity to connect with others who were impacted by Mr. Coulter’s service and friendship.
The outdoor venue is wheelchair accessible. Limited seating will be available; guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair and dress for the weather.
Event Details
What: Community Gathering in Memory of Dan Coulter
When: Sunday, September 14, 2025, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Where: All Sappers Memorial Park, 5571 Vedder Rd, Chilliwack
Program: Community tributes and reflections
Accessibility/Notes: Outdoor, family-friendly; please dress for the weather. Limited seating - bring a folding chair if desired.
BACKGROUNDER: About Daniel Coulter (1975–2024)
Early life & training: Born in Vancouver; raised in Edmonton and Abbotsford; graduated high school in 1993. Worked as a welder and became a Red Seal–certified millwright in 1999.
Resilience & education: Following a serious workplace accident in 1999, Dan became a wheelchair user and later attended the University of the Fraser Valley.
Public education leadership: Elected Chilliwack School Trustee (2013–2020), re-elected in 2014 with the third-highest vote; served as Acting Chair of the Board of Education.
Provincial service: Served as MLA for Chilliwack 2020-2024; served as Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit.
Community advocacy: Advocate for public education, inclusion, and accessibility; member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusion, Diversity and Accessibility; Director, Chilliwack Restorative Justice Society.
Party leadership: Appointed Interim Provincial Director of the BC NDP following the resignation of Heather Stoutenburg.
Personal: Dan passed away on December 12, 2024, at age 49.
Media Opportunities
Media are welcome to cover the event.
Media Contact
Kelli Paddon, Event co-Organizer/Spokesperson
Email:
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