On the passing of former Councillor Ralph Robinson

Former Ward 1 Councillor Ralph Robinson served Oakville for 11 consecutive terms, spending 36 years as the self-described “backyard guy”.

Robinson, who had background in finance, also had a successful career in politics in Halifax, N.S. and St. John’s N.L. before coming to Oakville. He is remembered by his Council colleagues as a mentor who brought wit to everything he did.

“Ralph was a dear friend of mine before he became a colleague on Council, and I will miss him terribly. He had a joy of life that will always be inspirational for me,” said Mayor Rob Burton.

The devoted Kinsman was also a force in the Kinsmen Club of Oakville, providing assistance to those most in need in our community. He chaired the Bronte Creek environmental steering committee, acted as a founding member of the former community advisory committee to Petro-Canada and the Lake Ontario shoreline algae action committee and chaired the Oakville Terry Fox Run for 25 years. Robinson was a founding director of the Oakville Sports Hall of Fame and past director of the Halton Multicultural Council.

Flags at Town Hall are being flown at half-mast in memory of Robinson.