Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says Northern Ontario has lost a “great champion” with the sudden passing of Hector Lavigne, the Mayor of Callander.
Lavigne passed away Sunday.
There are no details available on how he died.
Fedeli had known Lavigne for years when he first served as mayor of North Bay during the 2000s and then worked closely with him years later when he became the riding’s MPP in 2011.
“I know that the entire region will mourn the death of Hec Lavigne,” Fedeli said.
“He was a great champion of the north and certainly a huge champion for Callander.”
Fedeli says both men “were wonderful friends” and he had breakfast with Lavigne regularly in Callander.
The Tory MPP says as Mayor, Lavigne understood the need to keep municipal infrastructure up-to-date and adds he was working with Lavigne on a sewer and water project as late as this past weekend.
“I know this is a huge loss for his wife and family and to his many, many friends,” said Fedeli.
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald reaffirmed Fedeli’s comments saying Lavigne will be “greatly missed in the region”.
The Chief Administration Officer of the Municipality of Callander Mike Purcell issued a statement through Facebook saying that council members, staff and also residents of the small community are “deeply saddened by the terrible news” of Lavigne’s passing.
Purcell expressed the municipality’s condolences to the family and added Lavigne will be missed by many people.
Purcell describes Lavigne as a strong leader who along with his council colleagues and municipal staff helped ensure that Callander remained a family-focused community, making it a great place to live, work and play.
Mayor Joanne Savage of West Nipissing says Lavigne’s passing is terrible news.
Savage says she had the “utmost respect” for Lavigne.
“Our paths crossed many times and it was always my pleasure and privilege to work with Hector,” said Savage.
“He was highly respected in the political world, down to earth and had a common-sense approach and was sincere.”
Savage recalls that one of Lavigne’s priorities was the protection and quality of Lake Nipissing and a drive to resolve the blue algae problem that frequently hit the waterbody.
“My sincere condolences to his family and many friends and to the entire community of Callander,” said Savage.
“He will be missed”.
Lavigne became the Reeve of Callander in 2000.
He worked fulltime in the insurance industry as a commercial account manager while also sitting on numerous municipal boards and committees as Mayor at the same time.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized but once they are, the municipality will inform the public.