Former Peterborough mayor and councillor Jack Doris is being remembered for his love of the city and his leadership qualities after dedicating 45 years on city council.
Flags were lowered to half-mast at City Hall and the Peterborough Police Service station Monday morning to honour Doris who died on Saturday at age 92, according to family.
Doris’ 45 years on council included two terms as mayor and 14 as a city councillor/alderman. He was first elected to city council in 1967 and served as an alderman until 1991 when he was elected mayor. He was re-elected in 1994 but stepped aside from the top role in the 1997 election.
His streak on council ended in 1997 when he lost the Monaghan ward race for councillor. However, he returned to council in the next election and served as a councillor until prior to the 2014 election, announcing in 2013 he would not seek re-election.
Doris received the key to the city during a retirement ceremony in September 2014. The general committee room in City Hall’s upper level was named after Doris to recognize his four and a half decades of community service — he was the city’s longest-serving municipal leader.
Mayor Jeff Leal, who served as deputy mayor when Doris was mayor in the 1990s, called Doris a man of “impeccable integrity” and considered him a political mentor.
Leal expressed his condolences to Doris’ wife Shelia, six daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He called Doris a “remarkable” leader who was devoted to the city.
“It’s a very sad day for our community,” Leal to Global News. “Certainly Jack was an extraordinary leader – city councillor, mayor, manager at General Electric — someone that had respect from all corners of our community.”
“For us who serve in public life today, Jack was a barometer by which all of us should be measured by.”
Leal said at the council table, Doris listened to all views but was known for holding strong positions on a variety of topics.
“But Jack was an individual that when you presented new information, he would take a second look at an issue of the day,” said Leal. “I think that’s what really made him an outstanding leader of his time.”
Leal said Doris’s love of Peterborough was immeasurable.
“He wanted to make the city a better place, every day, for all citizens,” said Leal. “On the sports field he was known as ‘Lefty,’ but for everyone else, he was just ‘Jack.’ He certainly took an interest in everyone in this community — he was interested in their stories, in their background and he was interested in what contributions they were making to our wonderful community.”
Former mayor Daryl Bennett served alongside Doris during his first time as mayor in 2010. He called Doris’ death “the end of an era.”
“Jack stayed in touch with his community; we talked regularly about current political events,” said Bennett. “Jack was well-versed and well-respected as the family man he was and the epitome of how to conduct oneself in the world of politics. He will be missed on many fronts.”
In an interview with CHEX News on the day prior to his retirement, Doris credited his longevity to public service to his love of talking to people.
“I like sitting … throwing ideas around — I did that at my work with GE,” Doris said. “I took courses at GE that talked about team building and how you get things done. Don’t let the inertia of others stop you from moving ahead.”
Doris was known for his fiscal restraint and his love of the environment. In numerous interviews, he always said his greatest achievement was voting against The Parkway extension corridor which would have included a bridge/overpass through Jackson Park in the city’s north end.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferreri stated Doris was a “true gentleman” who served the city well.
“Jack Doris was the first mayor and politician I really got to know. As a videographer for CHEX Television, I was tasked with covering city council,” she said. “Jack always had a gentle voice and a caring heart and was determined to do what was best for Peterborough. He leaves a legacy of class and integrity. I’m grateful for his service and for always making the time to listen when asked. I give my deepest sympathies to his family and friends; he was a true community-minded man.”
— with files from Germain Ma/Global News Peterborough
- Toronto’s offices are emptying out. The city wants to know what to do with them
- Capital gains changes could have ‘irreversible’ effects, business groups warn
- Could notwithstanding clause be used on abortion? Poilievre’s office says ‘never’
- U.K. takes aim at allies like Canada, wants higher NATO targets
Comments