The first mayor of post-amalgamation Iroquois Falls and one-term Timmins-Chapleau MP Aurèle Gervais died on Christmas Day. He was 88.
Gervais was elected mayor in 1969, when Calvert Township amalgamated with the Abitibi company town of Iroquois Falls. He served until 1980, when he left with only a few months remaining in his term to accept a provincial government job.
He then ran as a Progressive Conservative in 1984 for the then riding of Timmins-Chapleau. He served one term as a member of Brian Mulroney’s government.
Aurèle Gervais was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn and his daughter, Debby Donovan. He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Praught of Barrie, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was also predeceased by his second wife, Diane, and is survived by her two sons and three grandchildren.
A funeral service for family and close friends will be held on Thursday in Iroquois Falls.
(Gervais Family photo)