Bob McTavish, a former town councillor, mayor and warden, is being remembered for a lengthy and distinguished political career.
Rhonda Ehgoetz, Warden of Perth County, said McTavish left a “profound, dedicated and accomplished” impact on his community.
Ehgoetz released a statement offering “profound sadness” on behalf of her colleagues after learning of McTavish’s death.
McTavish died on Tuesday in his 92nd year.
Council and staff offered their heartfelt condolences to McTavish’s family and friends, Ehgoetz said.
McTavish was raised on a farm in North Easthope, which would later become a ward during the amalgamation of Perth East.
He was the eldest of seven siblings. McTavish was an engineer, graduating from the University of Toronto in 1955.
Election to North Easthope council in 1985 was the start of McTavish’s political career. In 1988, he was elected Reeve of North Easthope Township, and held that role for nine years.
McTavish was Perth County Warden for a year. During that time, Ehgoetz said, he was an “outspoken advocate for collaboration and cooperation amidst local municipalities”. He was a councillor and mayor in Perth East. He served as an elected official on boards, including Stratford General Hospital and Stratford Festival, and more.
McTavish was also recognized with a long-standing service award by the province.
A funeral service will be held at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church on July 3 at 2 p.m. Internement in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church cemetery will follow, with a reception following that at Shakespeare Optimist Hall.
The county courthouse flag will be lowered until the day of the funeral.
