Former New Glasgow deputy mayor Francis Dorrington passes away
The Town of New Glasgow is mourning the loss of Francis Dorrington who formerly served as a councillor and deputy mayor for the town.
“Profound sadness is felt throughout our community as we mourn the loss of a true pioneer, Francis Dorrington,” New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks stated in a release about Dorrington’s death. “Francis was the first person of African descent to be elected on the Town of New Glasgow council and he served for 21 years in many capacities over that time. He was a dedicated trailblazer and served the community with passion and commitment.”
Dorrington was first elected to serve the citizens of New Glasgow in 1977 and remained in public office for two decades, until 1997. He also took on the duties of deputy mayor, a position he held for five terms over the tenure of his time on town council and he also served as acting mayor for a period. Dorrington was the first African Nova Scotian to be elected to the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, now known as the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities; the first African Nova Scotian to serve on the executive of the Nova Scotia School Board Association; the first person of African descent on the executive of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia; and the first African Nova Scotian to serve as the chairperson of the New Glasgow Police Commission.
Dorrington dedicated his life to community service and he was the chairman of the Aberdeen Regional Hospital Board as well as established the first Black Gala Homecoming celebrations in New Glasgow, a tradition that continues today. His service and community leadership was formally recognized in 2019 when he received the Order of Nova Scotia.
“As we celebrate African Heritage Month, may we also pause and recognize all of the contributions made by Francis. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Francis’ wife Frances, their children who include our Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Dorrington, their extended family, friends, and the community at large,” Dicks stated. “We have lost an icon.”
Henderson Paris, a former councillor and the founder of the Run Against Racism said Dorrington paved the wave for other people in the Black community to step into leadership positions.
"He was a tall man with a big voice and when he spoke, people listened," Paris said.
Paris admired the ability he had to make people listen.
One of the projects he remembers Dorrington being involved with as part of his responsiblities with the town was the creation of the Africentric Park. "He’ll certainly be missed and talked about for a long time," Paris said.