Calling him larger than life, Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw says with the death of Deputy Warden Duncan McPhail on the weekend “we have lost a true advocate.”
McPhail sat on county council for 17 years, served as Warden on three occasions and was a driving force behind the International Plowing Match held just east of St. Thomas in 2010.
Ketchabaw added McPhail’s service to the community will remain an inspiration for years to come.
He is being remembered as a pillar of the community, a trailblazer, best known for his wit and vision.
West Elgin CAO Magda Badura embraced McPhail as a great leader and his death is a tragic loss for the municipality.
In addition to his lengthy political career, McPhail was a long-time board member with Elgin St. Thomas Public Health which became Southwestern Public Health.
Cynthia St. John, health unit CEO was impacted by his honesty and sincerity.
He provided me with great advice and guidance throughout the years, added St. John.
She vividly remembers the KFC tribute several years ago when McPhail attended his last health unit board meeting at that time.
Former member of city council Dave Warden was struck by McPhail’s professionalism.
Bill Walters, Central Elgin’s first mayor in 1998, recalls how easy it was to deal with McPhail on county business.
For Walters and McPhail, there was no harm in having a little fun, especially when difficult decisions were on the table.
The two teamed up to help organize the highly successful 2010 edition of the International Plowing Match.
West Elgin CAO Magda Badura says it will be up to municipal council to determine how the vacant seat will be filled moving forward.
To honour his life, residents are asked to place a candle in their window until Friday, the day of his funeral.
A celebration of life ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the Rodney Recreation Centre on March 17. The funeral will be held later that day at McLean Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Written by Ian McCallum
