Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain says the death of Verna Myers is a loss for the community.
Myers, who owned and operated Myers Gas and Variety in Belle River for 52 years, passed away Saturday morning at Village of Aspen Lake. She was 93.
Bain remembers running against Myers for the position of Rochester Township Deputy Reeve in the early 1980s.
"It was probably the closest battle I've ever had in any election," says Bain. "There were only a few votes separating us."
Bain's son, David was also employed by Myers in high school, as were many area youth.
"She was so kind," he remembers. "If she didn't have things [in her store] she would go out and find it for people if they wanted it. She went out of her way to help people and gave credit to them all the time in her store."
Myers also served on Essex County Council and with the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
Visitation is at Melady Funeral Home on Notre Dame St. in Belle River, Tuesday, June 7 from 2pm to 5pm, and 7pm to 9pm. The funeral service is at Melady Funeral Home Wednesday, June 8 at 10am with a funeral mass to follow at 10:30am at St. Simon and St. Jude Church.
