Councillor Brown served as Ward 2 Councillor from 1997-2014, for a total of five terms. Mayor Doug Measures released this statement on his passing:
Orville Brown was an old-fashioned politician, and I mean that in the most honourable way. His career at the council table largely pre-dated the social media world we know today and, regardless, Orville would never have used social media anyway.
He served because he wanted to contribute to his community. He wanted to be a voice for his friends and neighbours. And he knew that to best represent them, he had to be approachable and a good listener, and Orville was without a doubt both of these things.
He did not grandstand in anything he did. He was quiet, humble, and observant. Orville had a tremendous respect for his council colleagues and municipal staff, even those he didn’t always agree with, and this approach to people was a testament to his good character.
He wanted the best for Clearview Township as a whole, and he was always mindful of taxpayers’ ability to pay. In short, he believed in responsible fiscal stewardship and prudent community investments.
Orville supported such things as the Creemore sewer project, the new municipal office, the new library in New Lowell, and the expansion of the Walker Aggregate quarry because he knew in each instance these were good investments for our community. These are just a handful of causes he got behind in his municipal career. He worked tirelessly on much smaller files, doing the diligent work of a good councillor.
Orville was a steady presence around the council table for several years, and his guidance was something I sought on many occasions while serving with him and after he left office.
My sincere condolences to Mary-Lou and the rest of his family. He was a good man, he was a gentleman, and he will be missed.
For more information, please contact:
Doug Measures
Mayor
Clearview Township
(705) 428-6230 ext. 280
dmeasures@clearview.ca