Mayor Lagace Remembered For Contributions to Town

Town Council, Administration and Residents are in mourning with the passing of Mayor Claude Lagace Saturday.

Mayor Lagace had one term on Council, from 1995 to 1997, before being elected continuously for the past 17 years. He served from 2001 to 2006 as a Councillor and 2007 to 2018 as Mayor.

Deputy Mayor Isak Skjaveland recognized Mayor Lagace for his continued investment in the community.

“Mayor Lagace was always the first person on the scene during emergencies – whether that be flooding, a train derailment or fires,” he says.

He would also often be the last to leave, even if that meant staying late into the night to see if he could do anything more. Mayor Lagace would also drive around the community in the aftermath of incidents to ensure smooth operations and around the Town frequently. He was a devoted inaugural member of Citizens on Patrol in efforts to help keep the Town safe.

“Claude spent many hours behind the scenes that nobody knew about,” the Deputy Mayor says. “He was quick to help whenever called upon, including community groups such as the Elks, Legion and Museum.”

He was a great asset to the Town in dealing with contracts and procurement and was adept at speaking to government ministers and personnel, the Deputy Mayor adds.

Mayor Lagace was a strong supporter of the Sexsmith & District Museum Society, Seniors Association, Agricultural Society, Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Curling Club, Sexsmith Citizens on Patrol program, among many other organizations in the community.

The Mayor served as chair of the Grande Spirit Foundation where he worked hard to bring operational the new Lakeview Seniors Complex in Clairmont. He also represented the Town as a shareholder of Aquatera since the municipality joined the utility.

He worked tirelessly in promoting residential, business and industrial development in the community.

Mayor Lagace was instrumental in the building of the new Sexsmith Fire Hall, Medical Clinic, Spray Park, and Skatepark. He also worked with Council to accommodate the Heritage Pointe Seniors/Adult affordable housing project in Sexsmith in conjunction with the Federal & Provincial governments, the Town and a private developer all as contributors. He was a strong supporter of community facilities including green spaces, walking paths and parks and most recently with the addition of Arbor Park located next to the Spray Park.

Councillor Clint Froehlick says there are many words to describe Mayor Lagace.

“He was a friend, confidant, mentor, leader, listener,” says Councillor Froehlick. “He was committed to excellence, a family man, beloved husband, father and grandfather, and community builder. Mayor Lagace was an advocate, selfless and genuine.”

He was a true leader and did everything with integrity and his passion for the Town of Sexsmith was evident in everything he did, Councillor Froehlick says.

“He saw the big picture not just the task or objective at hand with a huge wealth of knowledge and experience. He will be greatly missed.”

Councillor Ian Penner described Mayor Lagace as a quiet leader.

“He was a leader of few words which he used wisely and with great influence. They were always greatly appreciated.”

Councillor Kate Potter says Mayor Lagace will be missed around the Council table and in the community.

“Claude was an integral part of life in Sexsmith. He volunteered tirelessly, served many years on Town Council both as a Councillor and Mayor, and advocated for Sexsmith and the region at every opportunity. He loved his family and enjoyed telling stories of his grandkids.

While Claude didn't talk a lot, he was not afraid to say what needed to be said and stand firm on what he believed. He was more than willing to be a mentor and friend to new councillors and my life was significantly better because of this. I'll miss his dry sense of humour, wisdom and advice, and steadfastness. He was the most dependable person I have ever known.”

Councillor Jonathan Siggelkow says the relationship between council members and Mayor Lagace went beyond being elected officials.

“After serving with Claude for 11 years on Council, him as a new mayor and I as a new Councillor, the first word that I think of when I think of Claude is friend. It was always more than business. Even when we disagreed, we protected that friendship. Thanks for the past 11 years Mayor Lagace. You will be missed very much.”

Mayor Lagace had a lasting impact on his colleagues, says Councillor Bruce Black.

“I have a huge hole in my heart today and my thoughts and prayers are with Noreen and family,” he says. “Our council family will have to be strong for each other .When the angels came to take Claude home I believe he was at peace and content.”

Mayor Lagace’s strong influence extended to Town personnel, says Chief Administrative Officer Rachel Wueschner.

“The Council and Staff of the Town of Sexsmith are deeply saddened by the loss of our great, long serving leader,” she says. “His strength, support, caring spirit and sense of humor will be greatly missed. His leadership was the key to the success of this community and we will all strive to take on his torch and to continue in his footsteps.”

Grande Spirit Foundation leadership added their condolences.

“It is with great sadness that we hear of the loss of our Grande Spirit Foundation Chairman, Claude Lagace,” says General Manager Steve Madden.

“Mr. Lagace was a true inspiration for everyone – a humble yet dedicated leader within various communities covered by our organization in support of seniors and family housing. Mr. Lagace truly valued all Grande Spirit residents ensuring the organization provided safe, comfortable living accommodations within various communities throughout the region, while supporting future community requirements through his extended efforts.

“His leadership will be sadly missed by staff, board members and our residents. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of heartfelt loss.”

Details on funeral arrangements will be available Monday at www.oliversfuneralhome.com