Newmarket flies flags at half--mast to honour life of former councillor

Former Newmarket and regional councillor Henry Vanden Bergh dies at 83

Yorkregion.com
June 4, 2019
Teresa Latchford

The flags at Newmarket’s town hall are flying at half--mast to honour the passing of former council member Henry Vanden Bergh.

Vanden Bergh, 83, was first elected to council in 1970 and continued to serve until 1985. He served as regional councillor from 1982 to 1985. He died on May 31 surrounded by his family and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna, his daughter Janet Raponi and his son Jason Vanden Bergh.

Former Newmarket councillor Dave Kerwin said it was a pleasure to have served alongside such a man.

“We have lost a very fine man who was very dedicated to this town,” Kerwin said. “He played an instrumental role in making Newmarket what it is today.”

Kerwin came to know Vanden Bergh as a “straight--shooter” while serving on both the town’s planning committee and fire services committee. Many of the planning bylaws created by the fire services committee continue to apply today, and Vanden Bergh played a major role in transforming the then volunteer--based Newmarket fire department into a full--time fire service to ensure the town had what it needed when a fire broke out.

“He was determined to make Newmarket better, even though in those days we were paid practically nothing,” Kerwin added. “He was a good man who wanted the best for those living in the community.”

“Henry's involvement was fostered by the recognition that a town is a reflection of those who seek to make it great,” a statement from the town stated.

The Newmarket native had spent the past four years enjoying an active retirement in the Green Briar community in Alliston. His passion for improvement was said to be shown in his prized gardens and handy work.

Vanden Bergh worked as a starter at Cardinal Golf Course for 16 years, perfecting his golf game whenever he could, and retired from a career as industrial and commercial supervisor with Consumers Gas.

Friends are welcome at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave. in Newmarket, on June 7 for a memorial visitation from 1 p.m. until the service of remembrance to begin at 2 p.m., to be followed by a reception.

Memorial donations may be made to Bladder Cancer Canada.