Burnaby officials are paying their respects to former city councillor and “Freeman” of Burnaby Dr. Egon Nikolai.
Nikolai died Dec. 27. He was 90 years old.
A local dentist, Nikolai served on council as a member of the Burnaby Voters Association for 12 years between 1981 and 1993.
His work included promoting expanded block watch programs and increasing the number of civilian staff in RCMP offices to allow officers to focus on crime prevention, according to the city’s website.
Outside of political office, Nikolai volunteered to provide basic medical and dental aid to underserved communities on many international aid missions.
For decades, beginning in the 1960s, he travelled to developing countries to pull teeth, suture gums and fill cavities. He also educated people on how to prevent tooth decay, according to Burnaby NOW files.
In 1998, Nikolai won the Paul Rondeau Humanitarian Award for exemplary service to the dental profession and his community.
He was awarded the highest distinction bestowed by the city, the honorary title “Freeman” of Burnaby, in 2009.
Nikolai also served on the Burnaby Hospital Board, the South Burnaby Men’s Club, the Burnaby Association for the Mentally Handicapped and the United Way, among other organizations.
At a council meeting Jan. 14, acting mayor Coun. Pietro Calendino paid his respects to the former councillor.
“Our deepest condolences to Dr. Egon Nikolai’s friends and family during this difficult time,” Calendino said.
He noted the “Freeman” title is reserved for those who have “a record of outstanding service and significant contributions to the well-being of Burnaby citizens and the community.”
Mayor Mike Hurley added in a social media post that Nikolai “worked tirelessly to help those in need.”
“He will be deeply missed in Burnaby,” Hurley said.
In his semi-retirement, Nikolai taught part-time at UBC’s school of dentistry.
“The world is a little bit different out there,” he told his students. “Always give a little bit back from the good life that we enjoy here.”
With files from Marelle Reid, Burnaby NOW
Today we celebrated the life of Dr. Egon Nikolai, who sadly passed away in December. Dr. Nikolai was a Freeman of Burnaby – as a City Councillor and as a humanitarian, he worked tirelessly to help those in need. He will be deeply missed in Burnaby.🫶 pic.twitter.com/DaoHLzdwpI
— Burnaby Mayor's Office (@MayorofBurnaby) January 20, 2025
