Frank Ney

The mayor of Nanaimo for a great many years, Frank Ney cut a colorful figure.  Apparently, he was known for showing up at community events dressed in one of many costumes, including the pirate outfit in which he became immortalized at Swy-A-Lana Park.  He was responsible for the many, many street names that make Nanaimo unique, for ensuring that Protection Island streets are all named after pirates, and for unabashedly immortalizing his boat with a street name. 

The plaque that goes with this statue reads:

ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET

In 1967, Black Frank helped launch the now famous

Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Race

The colourful pirate costume was worn to promote Nanaimo as

The Sunporch of Canada

Jewel of the West

Bathtub Capital of the World

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

Mayor of Nanaimo 1967 - 1984 and 1986 - 1990

Member of Legislative Assembly, 1967 - 1972

Freeman of the City of Nanaimo

BC Tourism Ambassador

Honourary Chief First Nations in Nanaimo

Killer Whale - Q-un Lhanumutsun

Active member of many organizations

Notary Public and President of Nanaimo Realty

I'm guessing that he had no hangups with self-promotion ... Black Frank Drive is on my list of streets to check out for you.