Former North Algona Wilberforce Township councillor and owner of Big Boy Tires, John Keuhl, passed away last week at the age of 57. He is being remember by former council colleagues as a person with strong opinions who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

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Rankin – Former North Algona Wilberforce (NAW) Township councillor John Keuhl, who passed away May 22 at the age of 57, is being remembered by former council colleagues as someone who always spoke his mind on subjects of importance to him.

Mr. Keuhl was a large presence at the council table, not only in the physical sense due to his stature, but also in his willingness to engage in conversation, debate and provide input on the important issues facing the municipality.

He served as councillor from the time of amalgamation in 2000 to 2014, when he was unsuccessful in seeking the mayor’s seat. He was one of four candidates in the 2014 vote and cited his reason for running as a lack of leadership and the infighting that existed among the council of the day.

In 2018, he again sought the mayor’s chair, claiming it was time to put an end to the embarrassing behaviour that had plagued the township from 2014 – 2018.

During that period, the township was embroiled in several investigations, which, he said cost taxpayers a lot of money, which did not sit well with Mr. Keuhl.

Current Mayor James Brose, who defeated Mr. Keuhl in the 2018 vote, described him as an interesting and colourful character who grew up, lived, and operated his business, Big Boy Tire, in the township.

He noted how the Keuhl family has long been associated with the sport of arm wrestling and are well known in Renfrew County and beyond as a top contender in the sport of arm wrestling.

“His passion for the sport continued when his daughter picked up the sport, competing successfully in local and regional competitions,” he shared.

As a councillor, he said Mr. Keuhl was always ready to engage with residents and initiated lively debates at the council meetings, sharing his insights and opinions.

“John spoke honestly, never shying away from sensitive or contentious issues, standing firm for what he believed was best for the community which he was an integral part of,” he remarked. “John will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his friends, and the community he loved being a part of.”

Former mayor Harold Weckworth sat on council with Mr. Keuhl for some 14 years and said he served the ratepayers well.

“He always made you think. He would sort of be the devil’s advocate,” he recalled. “If you came up with an idea, he always had his own opinion, which he voiced.

“John made you think outside of the box,” he added.

Mr. Weckworth said Mr. Keuhl was constantly advocating to keep the tax levy as low as possible.

“He was there for the people and represented them well,” he remarked.

He recalled attending some conferences with Mr. Keuhl when he was interested in the topics he felt could help the municipality.

“John was really good at what he did,” he added.

The late Mr. Keuhl is survived by his wife, Darlene, daughters Emily (Andrew) Hein, Megan (Drew) Keuhl, and Alma, grandchildren, Logan and Olivia Keuhl, mother, Linda, and brother, Bobby (Melanie). He was predeceased by his father, John Sr.

Visitation is today (Wednesday) from 2–4 and 7–9 at the Malcolm, Deavitt, and Binhammer Funeral Home in Pembroke. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 11 a.m.