Municipal officials in Northumberland County are mourning the death of Raymond Benns, a longtime councillor for Alnwick/Haldimand Township.
Township mayor and county warden John Logel said in a statement that Benns died Thursday at his home in Baltimore, just north of Cobourg.
Benns was first elected to township council in 1998 and served 20 years, including four as deputy mayor from 2010-2014. He was re-elected councillor in last fall’s municipal election to serve Ward 1.
“Ray kept the best interests of Alnwick/Haldimand residents in mind with his every step,” stated Logel. “He was a dedicated township councillor, a respected community member and a true friend, and he will be greatly missed.”
Logel says under Benns’ leadership, the township achieved “many significant outcomes.”
“Far too many to list,” said Logel.
Benns served on numerous committees and organizations including the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Safe Communities Northumberland and the Centreton Community Centre.
“Ray was staunch in his support of activities that would sustain and grow the health and prosperity of our township,” said Logel.
Benns and Marg, his wife of more than 50 years, managed a successful hog farming operation until his retirement, noted Logel.
“Family was a priority for Ray, and he took great joy in spending time with his sons Jeremy and Steven and their families, and was pleased for any opportunity to share his love of fishing with his four grandchildren,” he said.
“I was fortunate to know Ray from a very early age. And whether he was staring me down from the pitcher’s mound getting ready to sail one of his fastballs past me when we were teenagers or, later in life, sharing measured perspective on an important policy issue across the council table from me, I always knew — as anyone who knew him knew — that I could count on his heart of gold.
“On behalf of Alnwick/Haldimand Township and Northumberland County Councils and staff, and indeed the broader community, Brenda and I offer our deepest condolences to Ray’s family and friends.”