Unwin remembered for a ‘legacy of service and advocacy’
Family and friends are remembering former St. Catharines mayor Al Unwin as a loving husband and father, with a passion for education and a commitment to public service.
Unwin died last Friday at West Parry Sound Health Centre. He was 82.
Unwin spent more than 30 years in education, beginning as a physical education teacher before becoming principal at two St. Catharines schools, Carlton and Ferndale.
He was the first recipient of the school board’s Award of Excellence in Education.
Looking for a way to contribute to the community, he successfully ran for city council in the Port Dalhousie ward in 1986, serving three consecutive terms. His role included serving as chair of the St. Catharines Transit Commission.
He ran for St. Catharines mayor in the 1994 election, emerging as the winner among nine other candidates.
St. Catharines Ward 6 Coun. Bruce Williamson was a rookie councillor during Unwin’s mayoral term. Following his first council meeting, Williamson received a congratulations card from Unwin — in the shape of an elephant.
“It was something that an (elementary) principal would do. I kept it and it was an interesting way to start,” said Williamson. “It put a smile on my face.”
Williamson remembers Unwin as a leader with clear communication skills and strong opinions — and progressive views on environmental issues.
“You knew where he was coming from, he wore his heart on his sleeve. He wasn’t shy to say how he felt on things,” he said.
“In politics, you don’t always fully agree with everything, but oftentimes I did side with him, but sometimes not.”
In a release announcing Unwin’s death, the City of St. Catharines said the former mayor’s “unwavering commitment to serving the public was evident throughout his career.”
“Unwin’s political acumen and commitment to public welfare were truly admirable and his passing is a significant loss to the St. Catharines community and beyond,” it said.
“His ability to navigate the complexities of governance with finesse and his tireless efforts to champion causes that uplifted the lives of many will be remembered for years to come.”
In 1997, Unwin was the initiator and inaugural head of the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario, playing a key part in discussions with the Mike Harris provincial government as they pertained to service cost distribution.
The organization, now known as Ontario’s Big City Mayors, continues to advocate for and progressing issues impacting larger urban areas of the province.
In his term as mayor, Unwin secured substantial provincial and federal funding for the enhancement of the Henley rowing course, turning it into a top-tier facility.
The city also highlighted Unwin’s role in helping guide and heal the community in the aftermath of Kristen French’s death.
Unwin’s name is displayed at the trailhead of the Green Ribbon Trail, a tribute and memorial site created by the community in 1995 after the deaths of French and Leslie Mahaffy.
Currently out of town, Mayor Mat Siscoe said in a statement that Unwin’s “legacy of service and advocacy has left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community, inspiring myself and hopefully others to follow in his footsteps and continue the important work he started.”
In an online obituary, Unwin’s family said his passion for education was framed by his experience growing up in Palmerston, Ont.
In grade school and high school, Unwin felt unworthy and struggles during his formative years led him to believe “he wasn’t bright enough to succeed and unlikely to achieve anything substantial.”
His family said that gave him motivation and a commitment to ensure his own approach as a teacher and leader would give students a different school experience.
In a statement, the District School Board of Niagara said it shares its condolences with Unwin’s family and friends.
Prior to the amalgamation of the region’s school boards in 1999, Unwin was principal for the Lincoln County Board of Education, where he “supported students, staff and school communities.”
“Alan is remembered for his longstanding service in Niagara, his commitment to leadership in education and the many meaningful contributions he made to students throughout his career,” said the DSBN.
Unwin retired at the end of his mayoral term in 1997, moving with his wife Anita to their summer cottage on the shores of Georgian Bay in Carling Township. They were married for 57 years, with two children and six grandchildren.
As per Unwin’s wish, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.