SWOX councillor passes away

Valerie Durston. (Contributed Photo)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Flags across South-West Oxford have been lowered following the passing of Valerie Durston, a long-serving, dedicated councillor.

“Valerie will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and quiet dedication to helping others. Through her work in social services and as Ward 3 councillor, she made a meaningful impact on many lives and on our community. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. She will be greatly missed,” said a statement from the township.

Durston represented the Salford area and was chair of the township’s Engage and Inform Committee and served on the Salford Community Hall Board, Hilltop Park Mount Elgin, the Environment and Energy Innovation Committee, and the Tillsonburg Regional Airport Advisory Committee. She was known as a community-focused, committee-heavy councillor, not just someone who attended meetings.

She was also the area director for Toastmasters for the Woodstock, Tillsonburg, and St. Thomas areas and spent most of her career as a developmental service worker and a criminal justice worker.

"Valerie was always wanting the best for everyone and cared very much about all people in her ward and across the township. She was always willing to volunteer for any extra council work and for community service. Her commitment to our community and the council will be very much missed,” said outgoing Mayor David Mayberry.

“She was always willing to volunteer and share her experiences with others. She was committed to her family, church and community and demonstrated that daily. Her positive encouragement will be missed by council and particularly myself. I am grateful to have had her as a colleague and friend,” he added.

"I believe Valerie was one of the most caring individuals I have known. She will be missed,” added councillor Jim Pickard.

Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy also provided a statement following Durston’s passing.

"My sincere condolences to Valerie's family and to the Township of South-west Oxford. Sending prayers and our deepest sympathies from the Town of Tillsonburg."

Durston recently said she would not be running for a third term on council.

With notes from Debbie Kasman