A life devoted to fighting for Whitby
Town’s former mayor, who was also a war hero, dies days after his wife
Former Whitby mayor and war veteran Tom Edwards died on Monday, just days after the death of his wife, June.
Edwards, 92, served in the Second World War and was also a former light heavyweight boxing champion of northwest England. He was elected to Whitby town council in 1964 and took over the mayor’s seat in 1991.
On his retirement in 1997, Edwards was the longest-serving Canadian politician, with 40 years in municipal office.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Whitby mayor Tom Edwards,” Mayor Don Mitchell wrote in a Twitter post on Thursday. “Tom became mayor in 1991 — the year that I joined council. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word — kind, patient and respectful. Thank you Tom. You truly made your town a better place.”
For his 90th birthday in 2016, council presented Edwards with a certificate in recognition of several milestones that took place in Whitby under his leadership, including the opening of the Durham District School Board building and Sinclair Secondary School, the Seniors’ Activity Centre, a new fire hall and the Waterfront Trail.
Edwards was a labour leader and social activist.
He attended the founding meeting of the Ontario New Democratic Party and stood as candidate for the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation and NDP on four occasions.
He’s also remembered for his baritone singing voice.
Both he and June died surrounded by their family and friends at the Village of Taunton Mills retirement residence in Whitby.
They leave behind four children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
At his request, cremation has taken place.
A memorial visitation for the couple will take place at W.C. Town Funeral Chapel, 110 Dundas St. E., Whitby on Friday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
A Celebration of Life for Edwards will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 112, at 117 Byron St. S. in downtown Whitby on Sunday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m.
Donations in his memory will be sent to the Hospital for Sick Children, Operation Smile or a charity of one’s choice.