Passing of Former Arran-Elderslie Mayor Ron Oswald

Passing of Former Arran-Elderslie Mayor Ron Oswald

Monday, January 15, 2024

It is with great sadness that the Municipality acknowledges the loss of former Mayor, Ron Oswald.

Ron served on Arran-Elderslie Council as the Municipality’s first Mayor in 1999 upon amalgamation of Elderslie Township, Arran Township, Chesley, Paisley and Tara. He additionally served as Bruce County Warden in 2006.

Prior to amalgamation, Ron served as councilor in the former Elderslie Township, was a member of Chesley Council, and was the final Mayor of Chesley in 1999. He retired from politics in 2010 after 40 years of public service.

Ron’s dedication to the community was remarkable, in addition to his political career he served as a member of many community groups and associations. Ron also served as past president of the Bruce County Cattlemen’s Association, the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. He raised his family on their beef farm on Concession 6, Elderslie.

Ron came from a long established civic-minded family, following his father and grandfather into politics. His grandfather served on Elderslie Council and Bruce County Council in 1920, and his father Bill Oswald, served as Reeve of Elderslie and County Warden in 1954. Multiple generations of public service were recognized and honoured through the naming of the reconstructed Chesley Bridge in 2019 as “Oswald Bridge”.

Mayor Hammell notes,

“Ron was such an inspiration and mentor to us all, with his kind and warm manner he led by example demonstrating how farming, family, and serving your community could be done.  His leadership skills led us at the time of amalgamation and set Arran-Elderslie on the path to become the wonderful community it is today.

Ron will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

To honour his service, the flag outside of the Municipal Office will fly half-mast until January 19 and during the memorial service on Sunday, February 25, 2024, which will be held at the Chesley Community Centre at 1:30 pm.

On behalf of all our residents, Arran-Elderslie Council extends its deepest sympathies to Ron’s family and friends.

Ron Oswald’s Obituary and Memorial Service details can be found at Rhody Family Funeral Home:
https://rhodyfamily.com/life_story/ron-oswald/

Ron Oswald (1932-2024)

On behalf of the Council of Arran-Elderslie