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Rick Thiessen was elected as an Abbotsford City Councillor in 2026.
Rick was raised in Abbotsford and has spent most of his life in Abbotsford. His parents were blue-collar folks who emphasized the values of hard work and service, demonstrating those values in their home, church and community. Once Rick and his wife were married and started a family of their own, they also sought to instill these values in their children. Rick and his wife, Monika, have three children, all of whom are married, and seven grandchildren, who are a big part of their daily lives.
As an adult, Rick pursued a number of career options before settling into education at age 30, after completing a History degree at SFU in 1991 and then attaining a Master’s in Education in 1999. He retired this past June after working as an educator and administrator, primarily at MEI Secondary, where he began in September 1994. Throughout his career, Rick was active outside the classroom, coaching basketball and volunteering for a variety of committees and boards, including serving a seven-year term on the BC School Sports board, with two years as President. In addition, he has been active at Ross Road Community Church, including serving many years on the board, most recently as moderator from 2018–2023.
One of Rick’s major interests is sports, both as an active participant and as a fan. He participated in school and community athletics as a child and continued to play adult men’s and mixed slo-pitch into his 50s. Rick and Monika’s three children also played community soccer and baseball in their younger years before switching to school sports in high school. Now, Rick and Monika have the privilege of cheering on their grandchildren as they participate in many different athletic activities.
Committees and Community Groups
- President, Eastern Valley Athletic Association
- Basketball coach
- BC School Sports board
- Ross Road Community Church board