Muskoka District council took time at the Feb. 21 meeting to pay tribute to former Muskoka district and Town of Gravenhurst councillor Terry Pilger, who passed away suddenly on Jan. 24. He was 67 years old.
Gravenhurst councillor Sandy Cairns spoke about Pilger.
“I moved back to Ontario in 1987 where he sold me a cash register for my business. He was truly like a brother, easy to talk to and so kind and caring,” she said. “He and his wife, Wendy have been great friends and we, as well the town will miss him very much.”
Cairns said it was an “honour and privilege to say some words” at the District meeting on Terry’s behalf. Pilger’s political career in Gravenhurst began after being elected as ward councillor in Ward 3 in the Ryde community in 1985. He served the Town and District combined for over 27 years, with 17 years as a Muskoka District Councillor. He also sat on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and served as chair, as well as many other District committees, including Tourism, Planning and Economic and Development, Engineering and Public Works.
“He had a strong commitment to our community’s needs. He was proud of his role in helping to bring recycling to Muskoka and always supported protecting and preserving our lakes and waterways. He was truly a Muskoka guy!” said Cairns.
“Terry served for years as a volunteer firefighter, a Scout leader, was a founding member of the Ryde Community Co-op, was a Lion’s member, a Rotary member and you would always see him promoting new business openings and attending so many activities and events that promoted Muskoka,” continued Cairns.
Pilger volunteered in many roles in the Town of Gravenhurst and the District of Muskoka. He attended conferences and many training activities and you would see him at most special events and activities around town and those that promoted the town and District. Most recently Pilger attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference. Cairns said she thought “one of the highlights was being introduced to Hazel McCallion (former mayor of Mississauga for 36 years who passed away in January 2023), the two of them connected and chatted like best friends.”
Cairns finished by saying, “Terry will be missed and has left us a legacy of his service to our communities in Muskoka. Cheers to you Terry and Thank you for you service, friendship and strong commitment to helping make Muskoka a better place to live work and play.”
On Feb. 23, Mayor Heidi Lorenz made a private, informal donation from herself and the Gravenhurst councillors to Rotary Rock The Barge in his memory. “Terry was a good man who dedicated much of his life to public service,” said Lorenz.
Pilger passed away at home from a heart attack after a bout with the flu. Beloved husband of Wendy (Baker) for 42 years. Loving father of Sherrie Gordon (Stu), and Michael Pilger (Kate). Cherished grandfather of Philip Pilger. Brother of Bryan Pilger (Linda), and Bonnie Fraser (Art). Predeceased by his sister Marilyn Rupert and her husband Cliff.
Memorial donations to Rotary Rock The Barge are greatly appreciated.
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