Just south of Pickle Lake and north of Thunder Bay, on Lake St. Joseph, 64-year-old John Grace was found dead, according to the OPP.
According to a statement from town officials confirming the death of Grace, “He enhanced the integrity of the town and enriched the lives of many, far and beyond our community.”
John Grace was reportedly found dead after his boat capsized on Lake St. Joseph on Tuesday, according to police at the OPP Pickle Lake detachment, about 530 kilometres north of Thunder Bay. According to the sources, he was missing “at around 11:30 a.m. Central Standard Time”.
Approximately seven hours after he was reported missing, his body was discovered.
Old Post Lodge on the lake has been a family-run establishment since 1986. The provincial ministry of labour is conducting an investigation, according to the police, into the Tuesday boating mishap.
Police stated in a subsequent press statement that they had learned of a report of a gasoline barge capsized on the lake. The event is being looked into, according to the police, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Labour.
Grace, as Goderich native, began local politics in 1998 as a town councillor. From 2007 to 2014, he held the position of deputy mayor and recently announced that he would like to run for re-election in the upcoming civic elections.
For many years, Grace has been a stalwart in local politics in Goderich. 2018 saw his election as the town’s mayor in Huron County. According to rumours, before their meeting on Wednesday morning, Huron County Council observed a moment of silence in memory of Grace.
The statement by Goderich officials adds, “John was a strong leader and decision-maker, who worked relentlessly for the Town of Goderich.”
Following the announcement of Grace’s departure on Wednesday afternoon, tributes and memories poured in.