Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the passing of Bill Thake who, until his death at age 77 on June 26 of this year, was the longest-serving municipal politician in Ontario.
He was first elected to Westport village council in 1961 and became mayor in 1969. He retained that position until his untimely death.
Bill, as he was known to everyone, was the kind of hard-working, honest man whom everyone wants to represent them. Frugal in his own life, he treated taxpayers' dollars with the greatest of respect. The advice that he gave everyone was, “Never make a promise you can't keep and always tell the truth”.
As well as mayor, he served four terms as warden of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and sat on many other boards and committees.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughter, Cindy; his son-in-law, Chris; and two grandsons.
He was a good friend to me and he will be missed by many.