He is being remembered as the consummate politician and a mentor to many considering throwing their hat in the political ring.
Former Elgin MP and Southwold resident Ken Monteith died Friday at the age of 84.
City councillor Steve Peters tells myFM Monteith not only was a well-respected politician, he continued to give back to the community after he left politics.
Most recently he helped fundraise for Hospice of Elgin.
Peters said Monteith is the type of person who is really difficult to replace.
Monteith served as Elgin MP from 1988 to 1993.
St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston has a particularly fond spot in his heart for Ken Monteith.
It was the former Elgin MP who encouraged Preston to take the plunge into politics.
Preston remembers it was Monteith who taught him you will get much more accomplished making friends than acquiring enemies.
Not only did Monteith encourage Preston to enter politics, he took matters one step further once Preston had made up his mind.
Preston tells myFM about Monteith helping out with the United Way.
Preston adds Monteith was a great family man who thought of family first. We have lost a great one, stressed Preston.
Well regarded in the political sphere, Monteith perhaps is best admired for his love of the community.
Peters remembers Monteith’s influence in so many aspects of community life.
Monteith graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College at Ridgetown in 1957.
He served two terms as Southwold councillor before elected as Deputy Reeve in 1978.
In December of 1980 he was elected Reeve and served for two terms, also serving as County of Elgin Warden.
Monteith was elected MP in 1988 and served two terms.
Written by Ian McCallum
