The Canadian and community flags were lowered at city hall after former Stratford city councillor Dave Gaffney died on Tuesday after a brief illness, age 63.
Gaffney was a two-term city councilor from 2006-2010 and 2018-2022.
He served on a number of committees, boards and often volunteered his time in the community, in addition to working in construction.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma was a city councilor alongside Gaffney, telling MyStratfordNow that although soft spoken at times, he was committed as any member of council to moving the city forward and put in a lot of work.
“Dave was a proud Stratfordite. He wasn’t bells and whistles. He was a straight shooter.”
As a councillor, Ritsma said he was prepared and focused and open minded to his colleagues’ ideas.
“When he did speak it was well thought out, it was a purposeful comment.”
Gaffney is survived by his mother Betty, brothers Dominic and Joseph and sisters Elizabeth and Anita.
A celebration of Gaffney’s life will be held at a later date.
