City employees are mourning a Calgary urban planner who was slain on Christmas Day while visiting relatives in Thailand.

Mark Jay Keffer, 42, was fatally shot during a robbery at his brother-in law's apartment in the capital city of Bangkok.

Calgary city planner Mark Jay Keffer was shot during a robbery in Bangkok, Thailand.
(Handout)

"He was a great guy and he will be missed," said Bill Findlay, manager of the urban development department, on Wednesday.

Keffer, who grew up and went to school in Trail, B.C., was excited about his six-week trip to Asia with his wife and two children, said Findlay.

He was remembered as energetic, outgoing and involved in the community through Scouts and soccer.

"I did actually hire him and I was happy to get him a year and a half ago because I knew of him and his work ethic and his attitude and his spirit," Findlay said.

Keffer's wife Mona, who was injured in the robbery, also works for the city, helping redevelop parks. Her wounds were not life-threatening.

Dave Breckon, head of the parks department, said she has some close friends among co-workers.

"These are very difficult circumstances and this one especially — the tragic nature of it. It has a big impact on staff and how they're able to cope with it and the city helps with that."

Tragic party incident

The couple were with six others Monday night at a relative's condominium when a man sneaked into the party from a balcony and began robbing the guests, according to local police.

As the man was collecting $400 US and a digital camera, Keffer's wife allegedly hit the robber over the head with her handbag, say police.

The suspect became angry and started firing his gun, killing Keffer and injuring his wife and a couple from Brunei, according to authorities.

A family friend told the Globe and Mail that Keffer's parents will travel from Trail as soon as possible to pick up the couple's two sons, Mitchell and Mackenzie, who are believed to be between eight and 10. 

"It's shocking to all of us, the bad news to happen at Christmas," said Allan Doherty, who lives in Trail, where Keffer grew up.

With files from the Canadian Press