The Municipality of Lakeshore is mourning the sudden passing of one of its councillors.
Ward 2 Councillor Patrick "Paddy" Byrne died unexpectedly on Thursday, according to the Municipality. He was 71.
Byrne had served on council for 12 years, and according to his son, Chris, loved serving the community.
"He cherished the time he spent helping people as a municipal councillor, community volunteer, and addiction counsellor. It was truly his calling, and he left an unmatched impact on our community," said Chris Byrne in a media release.
Mayor Tracey Bailey said Byrne's passing creates a void at Town Hall.
"As we mourn the sudden loss of Councillor Byrne, our hearts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones," said Bailey. "He was an incredibly passionate public servant who served his constituents with tenacity and pride. It was an honour to serve the residents of Lakeshore alongside Councillor Byrne, and he will be missed around the Council table."
Byrne's work with the Municipality included time on the board that supported the transition to the 1997 amalgamation. Over the course of his service as a councillor, he served on the parks and recreation, civic beautification, dog pound, community services, and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation committees.
He also volunteered for the Knights of Columbus and as a soccer referee.
Bailey has ordered flags in the Municipality flown at half-mast. Funeral arrangements are pending.
