'A man of the people': Goderich mourns passing of Mayor John Grace
The Town of Goderich, Ont. is mourning the loss of Mayor John Grace Wednesday morning.
According to a press release from the Town of Goderich, Lake Huron communities are paying tribute to the Mayor of Goderich who OPP confirmed died in a boating accident.
OPP received a call in regard to a boat in distress about 35 km south of the Township of Pickle Lake. The barge which was transporting fuel had capsized.
In a statement issued early afternoon by the Town of Goderich, the town mourns Grace’s loss, but remembers him as a dedicated leader.
“Along with the community, Town Council and staff are mourning the loss of our Mayor and friend John C. Grace,” the statement says. “The Town acknowledges John’s devotion and contributions to the Town of Goderich. John enhanced the fabric of the Town and enriched the lives of many, far beyond our community.”
Grace’s political career spanned many years, having served as a councillor and deputy mayor for the Town of Goderich for 17 years, and serving as mayor since 2018.
Details are currently slim, but according to the Facebook group Goderich Citizen's Exchange, Grace died in a boating accident at Pickle Lake, located north of Thunder Bay.
It was reported that Huron County Council held a moment of silence for Grace on Wednesday morning.
Calling him a “man of the people,” the release says that Grace was a “strong leader and decision maker” who worked tirelessly for the Town of Goderich, including the rebuilding of the town following an F-3 tornado in 2011, and most recently, through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We acknowledge his immense contributions, his admirable personality, and his ability to connect and share commonality with so many,” the release says.
“John Grace has left an indelible mark on the Town of Goderich. He loved this town, this community where he grew up. He worked tirelessly to make it a better place,” Jennifer Verdam-Woodward, chair of the Huron Chamber of Commerce – Goderich, Central and North Huron, also said in a statement.
According to his LinkedIn page, Grace was a lifelong resident of Goderich, and had owned and operated many small businesses, having been involved in the tourism industry for more than 30 years.
“He was a great friend of the business community,” she added.
The circumstances surrounding Grace’s passing have not yet been released.
“John was a bright light, and he will be dearly missed,” the release says. “Our sincere condolences go out to John’s wife Wendy, their three boys, daughter-in-law, and grandson.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Amish youth experience a rite of passage called Rumspringa. It’s not what you might think
The idea of “Rumspringa” has a specific spot in the American imagination. A rite of passage for young people in some Amish communities, Rumspringa is seen by most outsiders as a wild time away from strict Amish rules, when teenagers can experiment with the modern vices of the world.