At 97, John (Jack) Edwards is a star citizen of Amherstburg, Ontario.
A council meeting is not lost, it is located in the local Economic Development Advisory Committee, and every two or three weeks lunch with the mayor.
“I like people. I always loved being with people,” Edwards said, explaining his passion for political volunteering.
“I always liked being in small committees, very intimate, and that’s what all this is about.”
Passion for local politics
Edwards is a dear member of the community and a close friend of the mayor of Amherstburg, Michael test.
“Jack is a character. Jack is adorable. Jack is fun … it’s just a good guy,” he said. “I am so proud to be my friend.”
Edwards’ passion for local politics began many years ago when he lived in the nearby Windsor. He joined committees when Bert Weeks was the mayor in the 1970s.
Throughout that time, he also made some exciting visits of “Twin City” to Europe, including a 1977 trip to England, during which Windsor’s group in southwest Ontario was invited to attend a celebration in Windsor Castle for the 25th anniversary of his coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
“It was a sensational trip,” he recalled.
He finally moved to Toronto to work in the pharmaceutical industry and his political volunteer was arrested. Twenty-five years ago he finally returned to Windsor-Essex in retirement and settled in Amherstburg.
Designated every year
Gathering Test took Edwards again to politics.
Test knocked on the Edwards door while campaigning when he was running for the City Council (he was chosen in 2018). That meeting marked the beginning of his friendship and the return of Edwards to politics.
“It is so regular, and the people and the advice love it,” he said.
“They designate it every year to serve in the [development] Committee because it is a source of knowledge. He knows everything that has happened around this community during the last one, I don’t know, 50 or 60 years. “
During their lunch meetings, Edwards offers advice and helps inform the mayor about what is best for the city.
“It’s like listening to a lot of really good ideas of what I should do, what the city should do and what it wants to do for economic development. It’s just a joy to come with him,” he said.
“Some people do not like modernization, movement or city to change, and Jack is firm in saying that this is what the city needs.”
Won a special award
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. The mayor explained that earlier this year, the city chose two people to receive the coronation medal of King Carlos III, delivered to someone who has made a significant contribution to his community. Test said the city made sure Edwards was a recipient.
“It was humiliating,” Edwards said. “I am very proud of that.”
The mayor also said that he believes that Edwards is the oldest member that contributes to any council committee throughout Ontario.
“He comes religiously. He knows what he is talking about. Organizes the program,” he said.
In addition to his passion for the commitment of the community, Edwards is deeply proud of his family: his wife, six children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great -grandchildren.
As for what keeps it underway, good health and maintaining an active mind are key.
“It is when you lose the ability to recognize, to remember, it is when the pain intervenes. And that has not happened to me yet,” he said.
“I stay active. I am in committees, I find people, and that is what makes me feel good.”
