Dauphin in mourning after mayor dies in Fla.

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This article was published 27/11/2017 (3111 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobans are remembering Eric Irwin as someone who cared deeply about his community and who strived to get things done.

The mayor of Dauphin died on Friday while vacationing with his family in Florida.

In a statement released on Saturday, the City of Dauphin confirmed Irwin’s death, the cause of which has not yet been released.

“City Council, Administration, and the citizens of Dauphin express condolences to the family and friends on his passing,” the statement read.

“Mayor Irwin loved his family and his community. His leadership brought many projects in our community to fruition — from fundraising to facility planning.”

City administration will consult with the provincial government on how to move forward and officials plan to meet in the coming week.

“As mayor, his leadership provided financial stability and projects that offered growth to the community within budgetary constraints. His visionary ability will be missed. His passing creates a void in our community, but offers inspiration to carry out his vision.”

The news came as a shock to many, who lauded Irwin for his energy, and commitment to Dauphin and the Parkland region.

City councillor Patti Eilers described Irwin as a “driving force” who always strived to do better.

“I am deeply saddened that we lost such a wonderful, valuable person in our community,” she said.

“He always wanted the City of Dauphin to grow and to be a better place for all of us to live.”

Deputy mayor Allen Dowhan said just like other rural areas, Dauphin saw its own population decline, but Irwin took on projects in the hopes of stemming that trend.

“We’re inspired by Eric’s vision and we will continue to work forward towards that.”

Condolences have poured in from all corners of the province, including Mayor Brian Bowman of Winnipeg, Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew and CUPE Manitoba.

Premier Brian Pallister took to Twitter saying he was saddened to hear of Irwin’s sudden passing.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the community he served.”

Brad Michaleski, the MLA for Dauphin, said Irwin was a tireless community builder, and a strong advocate for regional growth and social causes for the entire region. “Parkland lost a regional champion … and he’ll be missed.”

Irwin grew up on his family farm in Isabella and graduated from Birtle Collegiate.

A biography posted on the website for Irwin’s law practice, Irwin Law Office, says he obtained an arts degree from Brandon University and graduated from law school at the University of Manitoba in 1979.

That same year, he moved to Dauphin with his wife Kim to start his practice.

Beyond his work as mayor, Irwin was famously known for heading up a number of organizations, including as Sergeant at Arms and past president of the Rotary Club of Dauphin, and as chairman of the Dauphin Co-op board.

In 1998, Irwin took on the role of president of Canada’s longest running music festival, Dauphin’s Countryfest.

He was elected mayor of Dauphin in 2010 and was re-elected by acclamation in 2014.

Even before he chose to venture into municipal politics, Irwin remained actively involved with the New Democratic Party.

He ran for the NDP in Rock Lake during the 1977 provincial election and in the federal riding of Dauphin-Swan River in 1988, but lost in both races.

Curtis Kaleta, president of the Dauphin NDP Constituency Association, said Irwin was a big supporter of the party and has left “big shoes to fill” as mayor.

“He was heavily involved in the community and he will be greatly missed, that’s for sure.”

Of the many projects Irwin had actively pursued, one in which he is recognized for is his work with post-secondary institutions.

Irwin pushed to get first-year courses from Brandon University offered in Dauphin, even directing municipal funds toward the project, and helped put in place a practical nursing program at Assiniboine Community College’s Parkland campus in Dauphin.

“I totally credit Mayor Irwin for the work he did with that program,” said Gabriel Mercier, president of the Rotary Club and Parkland campus director.

Mercier said Irwin was concerned with developing Dauphin’s economy and recognized education as one of the ways in which he could grow the city. “He had a vision and he worked hard towards achieving it.”

ACC president Mark Frison said Irwin even invested in a part-time co-ordinator to look after post-secondary education.

“Eric knew that to create the kind of economy that they need there, they were going to have to get more programs in that area, so there would be better access for the people of Dauphin and the region,” Frison said.

“So he was constantly championing that, meeting with ministers and deputies, and pretty much anyone he could get his hands on.”

Reeve Dennis Forbes of the RM of Dauphin said Irwin was someone who intuitively knew the right path.

“We lost a champion for the community,” Forbes said.

“When he put his shoulder to the wheel, it started to turn. He got things done.”

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