Former Aurora Deputy Mayor John Abel remembered for passion, dedication

Local politician leaves behind the legacy of community

Yorkregion.com
December 7, 2018
Teresa Latchford

John Abel will be remembered for his passion, humour and generosity.

The 64-year-old former Aurora deputy mayor and recent mayoral candidate died at Southlake Regional Hospital after collapsing at his home. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Tracy and his two children.

“He was a wonderful person who has left us a wonderful legacy,” fellow councillor Sandra Humfreys said as she leafed through pictures of events they attended together. “He was a great politician but aside from that he was a good man with a big heart who loved his family and community.”

Over the eight years the two served together as councillors, she always knew she would be greeted with a smile, a joke and an upbeat perspective when seeing him at a meeting, event or just around town.

“I’m in shock,” she said. “It doesn’t seem real. He and Tracy were just at the Legion on the weekend on the dance floor. They were so looking forward to the next chapter of their lives.”

She feels his vibrant personality and caring nature drew people to him. Whether he was hearing a resident’s concern, playing at an event or volunteering for a local organization his dedication to creating the best town to live in shone through.

“He told me his favourite moment in this term (of council) was the Tragically Hip tribute event he helped to organize,” she said. “When I asked why, he said it was because everyone was working together, councillors, family and community.”

Humfreys pointed out the loss won’t just be felt by his dear family, council members and the town but by the entire community.

He was the driving force behind many town initiatives, ideas and solutions to issues and she believes his legacy will live on by simply looking at what exists in Aurora today and the role he played in making it happen.

“He especially took pride in the Aurora Cultural Centre,” she said. “He definitely had a way of bringing people together to get something done.”

For example, he played a major role in renewing the contract with the Cultural Centre, helped bring together the now annual Magna Hoedown event for special needs students and the Aurora Blues Fest, just to name a few.

He also openly shared his love of music by playing guitar and singing at a number of events throughout the years.

“I remember doing Relay for Life and John would play his guitar and sing to keep us awake,” Humfreys laughed. “This is truly a loss for our community.”