Scugog mourns the loss of former community champion Howard Danson

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

SCUGOG: The Scugog community is mourning the loss of former councillor and community member Howard Danson.

Mr. Danson, who served as Scugog’s Ward 5 Councillor in the 2010 to 2014 term and worked for the Ministry of Health, died on Monday, July 4th.

“On behalf of the Township of Scugog and my fellow members of council, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Howard Danson. Howard was a very dedicated and hardworking councillor for his Ward 5 constituents and an advocate for all Scugog. He debated passionately at the council table, and we all enjoyed his sense of humour,” Scugog Mayor Bobbie Drew said in a statement.

Regional Councillor Wilma Wotten, who served as the Ward 4 Councillor during the 2010 term, explained part of Mr. Danson’s legacy was as a champion for seniors in the community.

“When Howard and I first became colleagues on council, we discovered a mutual desire to help the seniors of our community. We visited local communities to determine if the residents agreed. Noting the recognized need and agreement from our residents, a seniors advisory committee was formed,” she explained. “Through this committee, we produced a monthly event calendar, [and] we applied for and received grant funding, to furnish an office run by seniors. Howard and I were strong advocates for the building of the [Port Perry] Golden Girls House and were thrilled when the occupancy permit was finally granted.”

She also described how he helped her with her golf game. “On a personal note, he taught me some tips on golf which did help improve my game, if I remember to implement them. I was fortunate to call him friend, and am very sad he has passed away.”

Former Mayor Chuck Mercier recalled when he first met Mr. Danson.

“My first meeting with Howard occurred shortly after I submitted my application to run as the Mayor of Scugog. Howard indicated he had an interest in running for Council and wanted to discuss his options. Howard had retired from the Ministry of Health, where he had enjoyed a career doing audits. We both were successful in our campaigns and joined the new council together,” he said. “Howard had a vast knowledge of government practices and was curious [about] how municipalities operated on limited budgets. Collectively, the Council and staff wrote a business plan and committed to follow the plan to measure our success. Howard had a strong commitment to our community and championed many initiatives, including our budget, the library, the dog shelter project and the installation of pickle-ball courts. He enjoyed attending community events, meeting people, [and] hunting down actions [which] would support their needs. Howard was a problem solver, [and] very proud of his work. [He was] never shy to tell you what was on his mind, knowing that speaking up was his role in representing the people of Scugog.”

Mr. Mercier wants people to remember Mr. Danson’s “work ethic, leadership, integrity, [and] honesty.” He stated, Mr. Danson “served our community with compassion and commitment.”

Former councillor Larry Corrigan described how his relationship with Mr. Danson developed over the years.

“One of the great gifts of public service is the opportunity to meet people of character with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Howard Danson was one of those.

It was obvious when the Scugog council first met, at a private orientation meet and greet meeting, at Mayor Mercier’s home, Howard’s exemplary experience as a senior official in the Provincial Ministry of Health would serve our council and community [well] as chair of finance. Our relationship developed from [a] respectful colleague to a good and trusted friend in our post-political years. It concluded with our last meeting in the ICU, shortly before his death, with the prayer ‘Trust in the slow work of God’ [by Teilhard de Chardin].”

A celebration of life is being held on Friday, July 22nd, at the Low and Low Funeral Home, in Port Perry.

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