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Community mourns passing of longtime New West resident Chris Sargent

Former councillor operated Sargent’s Piffle humour magazine for more than a decade

A longtime New Westminster resident who loved connecting with community members and bringing a smile to people’s day has passed away.

Chris Sargent, the longtime editor and publisher of Sargent’s Piffle, passed away on Feb 8. He was 72.

“He was just a very giving person. He didn’t want anything from people – he was giving, very giving,” said Betty McIntosh. “He was the kind of guy who always had a joke and wanted people to be happy.”

Sargent, who had worked at the Royal City Record and at the Piffle magazine with their founder Ron Loftus, bought the Piffle magazine from Loftus when he retired. He published Sargent’s Piffle, which contained humour items, community stories and advertisements from local businesses, for more than a decade.

“He was a fellow who always wanted to interact with other people,” McIntosh recalled. “He liked being with people. He liked making people happy. He was a really nice fellow.”

In June 2019, Sargent was proud to be inducted as a soldier with the Salvation Army in New Westminster. Flavia, his wife of 35 years, made a Filipino buffet lunch for the occasion.

During his life, the former Lester Pearson High School and Douglas College student worked in a variety of jobs, including operating Big Sarge’s Old Fashioned Burgers at the Westminster Quay Public Market (where wife Flavia operated Sweetie’s Gourmet Food and Desserts.) He ran the Piffle until December 2018, when he had to cease publication while dealing with a number of health ailments.

Along with his many business and community endeavours, Sargent also served as a New Westminster city councillor in in 1987 and 1988.

“He had some challenges with cancer over the last few years,” said Coun. Chuck Puchmayr. “He took it in stride, always had a great sense of humour.”

The family is gathering for a small family-only service, but is holding a closed casket greeting at the Kearney Funeral Services Columbia-Bowell Chapel at 219 Sixth St. on Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 for people who would like a quiet place to be to reflect on their friendship with Chris.

Mayor Jonathan Cote said Sargent was a city council in the 1980s but continued to be very involved and active in the community after his time on council. He offered condolences to Sargent’s family on behalf of the City of New Westminster.

“A sad loss for the community,” he said.