THUNDER BAY – Updated – A giant innovator from Northwestern Ontario, Michael Power has passed away. Michael Power was born in Montreal on January 1, 1942. He passed away January 19, 2012.
He served as Mayor of Greenstone from 2003, as well as Mayor of Geraldton for several terms. He was involved in the Thunder Bay Municipal Association, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Friend and provincial MPP Michael Gravelle shares, “I was deeply saddened to learn of Michael Power’s recent passing.
Michael and I have been good friends for over 40 years and colleagues for about half that time. To say that Michael made an indelible mark on the political landscape of Northwestern Ontario, let alone the entire Province of Ontario, is under-stating the facts.
“During his many years as Mayor of Geraldton and as the man who served as Greenstone’s first Mayor, Michael brought a fierce dedication and a level of great intelligence to the municipal scene, which culminated in him serving as the President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
“But I must say that, for all his public accomplishments, I will personally remember Michael as a smart, funny, creative and visionary man. Although we did occasionally clash over some issues, I always knew that Michael was going to be honest and straightforward with me, as he fought for the best interests of the people we both represented. As the years went on though, we became even closer as friends and it warms my heart to think of the times I lunched at ‘Chez Power’ in Geraldton with Michael and Marylin and of the many other occasions we got together socially. As
many people know, Michael suffered a serious stroke this past summer.
“As always, Michael approached this like a ‘tiger’, determined to fully recover from the effects of this set-back. He was determined to achieve that goal and, like so many others, I truly thought he would. Alas, it was not to be. Regardless, Michael Power will be remembered as a towering figure on our landscape; someone who fought for what he
believed and absolutely never gave up. I will deeply miss him.”
Former Thunder Bay Mayor Lynn Peterson said, “He was a good man, devoted to his family and community. He worked hard all of his life trying to make a positive difference for Greenstone and all of Northwestern Ontario”.
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Vice President Iain Angus commented, “Michael was a true Northwestern-er. He knew what the needs of the entire region were, understood the differences and similarities between the diverse communities and areas of the region and fought for the necessary changes in government policies.
“He was a gentleman and a dapper one at that!
“He also understood the need for organisations like NOMA to avoid choosing winners or losers across the region. He was able to find the common thread that united us. Michael did not hesitate taking a government to task, but did so in a way that allowed him to continue to work with elected officials in a positive way on other projects
“He will be missed by all, including those who have never heard of him, but benefited from his work never the less”.