Details trickling in after Goderich Mayor's tragic death

Goderich Mayor John Grace, 64, passed away on Tuesday, as the result of a boating accident at his family’s tourist business, Old Post Lodge Resort, located at Pickle Lake near Thunder Bay. Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed that Grace was killed on Lake St. Joseph, just south of Pickle Lake.

The London Free Press reports that the incident happened just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday and that the Ontario Ministry of Labour is now investigating.

The Town of Goderich confirmed Grace’s death on Wednesday morning, saying that the mayor would be missed by the community, council and staff. Grace is survived by his wife Wendy and their children and grandchild.

Grace served in municipal politics for 17 years, including nearly four years as mayor that started in 2018. He was to defend his position in the 2022 election.

Representatives of the Town of Goderich, in a press release, said that Grace was “a man of the people” devoted to bettering the people and the community. “John was a strong leader and decision maker, who worked tirelessly for the town of Goderich,” the report stated.

Grace was recognized for his efforts after the F3 tornado that devastated Goderich and, most recently, in guiding the community through the COVID-19 pandemic. His work on projects like the Maitland Recreation Centre and Maitland Valley Medical Centre was also noted in the release from the town.

On Wednesday morning, Huron County Council and staff, during council’s regular meeting, observed a moment of silence to honour Grace and pass their condolences for his family. Warden Glen McNeil said council’s thoughts are with the Grace family, the Town of Goderich and its council and administration.