City mourns the passing of former Mayor

The City of Waterloo is mourning the passing of former Mayor Brian Turnbull with Mayor Dave Jaworsky releasing the following statement:

“It’s with great sadness I learned of the passing of a City of Waterloo legend, Brian Turnbull. A three-term mayor, he left an indelible mark on our city. Our community has been enriched by his visionary leadership.

Brian served on council, either as mayor or as a councillor, for more than 20 years beginning in 1972. His nine years as mayor, which ran from 1988 and concluded in 1997, highlighted his successful public life.

Brian established Waterloo’s Environment First policy and the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex opened in 1993, offering Waterloo residents their first Olympic-sized ice surface, indoor swimming pool and walking track. Brian also brought change to the internal performance practices of the City of Waterloo. Waterloo was one of Canada’s first cities to adopt Total Quality Management principles; a quality assurance movement which became a staple of North American enterprise by the late 1980s.

One of the interesting aspects about Brian’s life is that he actually was a City employee before he entered public life. One of his first assignments was to help create the city’s first official urban plan. He was also the city’s first planning director.

Brian was known as someone who treated everyone with respect with the ability to remain calm under pressure. He was also a successful businessman, having founded several companies.

Brian and Eleni had three children, Johanna, Jessica and Andrew.

On behalf of my council colleagues, I offer my sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends.”

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Media contact
Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca