Former county reeve passes

Lawrence Miller was a well-respected man who cared about county agriculture.

That is what town and county residents and politicians are all saying of the former county councillor, reeve and resident of Manola, including former deputy reeve Bill Lee.

Miller, who passed away Dec. 15, was 79. In addition to farming in Manola, he served as a county councillor from 1977 to 1989 and again, from 2001 to 2013. From 1986 to 1989 and again, from 2001 until 2009, he served as the reeve.

“I worked with Lawrence on council for many years when he was the reeve and I was deputy reeve. He [Miller] was a staunch supporter of agriculture in our area and a good reeve who brought harmony and stability to the group when it was needed,” Lee said.

Town of Barrhead Coun. Don Smith and mayor Dave McKenzie agreed, noting Miller’s passing took councillors by surprise.

“I don’t think anyone knew. I spoke with CAO Martin Taylor earlier in the morning and he never mentioned anything to me. It’s a shock. He’ll be missed for sure,” Smith said.

In terms of municipal politics, Smith said he worked with Miller for 12 years.

“He was always passionate about politics and always had the utmost interest of the county at heart. He was on council already when I got elected in 2001. Like a lot of us who have been around for a long time, you’re either passionate for the community or you aren’t [on council] anymore and I think it was the same for Miller.

“When we talk about small town politics, its always the same. Town councillors fight hard for their people and it’s no different for the county. But it isn’t about the fight. It’s about doing what you think is best for the community and Miller worked very hard for his constituents,” Smith said.

“I always thought he did a good job and believe he was a very pleasant person to deal with,” McKenzie said, adding judging from the comments he has heard, Miller was well thought of in the community.

“When you start hearing about these sorts of things, it makes all of us think about the future. I’ll be 58 in a matter of days and you know, it can happen to anyone. It’s sad news for sure,” Smith added.