More letters of condolence (10:40 a.m. update)

SooToday.com has received the following letters of condolence regarding the passing of Mayor John Rowswell.

************************* Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site

Parks Canada, in particular the staff of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, would like to express their profound sadness upon hearing of the passing of Mayor John Rowswell.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his family and friends.

It is with great admiration that we remember Mayor Rowswell.

He clearly demonstrated leadership and a strong sense of pride for his community and its history.

Mayor John shared Parks Canada's passion for the marvel of engineering at the centre of the city's downtown core - the Sault Canal, and he strongly promoted the protection and presentation of this special place.

Ultimately, Mayor Rowswell was one of our strongest supporters.

We will miss his honesty, zest, and heart!

“Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one man can spread out and touch the lives of many others.” – Author unknown

We will miss you a great deal.

************************* Sault Ste. Marie Downtown Association

On behalf of the board of directors of the Downtown Association, the general membership and staff, we would like to extend our sincerest sympathies to the Rowswell family at this difficult time.

Mayor John was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the city of Sault Ste. Marie and its residents.

He was always looking for innovative and creative ways to diversify our city economically; his support and participation in various trade missions and his dream of the Sault as a transpolar hub are excellent examples of his efforts at putting the Sault on the world map.

The fact that he continued to work throughout his health challenges is a testament to his character and commitment to the city.

Mayor John was also a strong believer in the Downtown and always very interested in what was happening in our neighbourhood.

We appreciated his support of Downtown’s many initiatives (e.g., Downtown Development Initiative) and events.

His presence at the Walk of Fame, a joint venture of the Downtown and the city, always made the event more special.

The city has lost a great leader and your family has lost a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Once again, please accept our sincerest sympathies on the passing of Mayor John.

He will be missed.

************************* Al Pyette

I would like to offer my condolences to the Rowswell family at this very difficult time.

I remember being asked while I was working at Queen's Park in Toronto to bus over to Hamilton and drive John's truck back to the Soo as he had an operation and of course I gladly accepted to help a friend in need.

Many thoughts and pleasant memories are running through my head at this time of our time together while I was his campaign manager in 2003 and we knocked on doors, shook hands at Essar Steel gates and greeted many citizens of Sault Ste. Marie.

John was a visionary, hard-working and always did what was best for this City and he'll probably go down as the best mayor this City has ever seen!

May you rest in peace my friend! Al Pyette

************************* Sault College

Mayor Rowswell’s commitment to post-secondary education in the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area is of course one of the many gifts he has left behind.

Sault College will always be grateful to the mayor for the support he has shown to our students and staff.

A man of great conviction, he could see the benefit that increased enrolment would have on the local economy and for that we must all be thankful.

His tireless pursuit to raise government support has enabled us to change the face of the college and create a competitive learning environment for years to come.

Mayor John has done so much for our students and we were so honoured to have our college name associated with Mayor John when he graciously accepted an honorary diploma at our 2010 Convocation where he spoke to our grads.

On behalf of Sault College and the board of governors, we offer our sincere condolences to Donna Rowswell and the family during this most challenging time.

John will most certainly be missed by all.

************************* Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario

Dear Members of City Council, On behalf of the staff and board of directors of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Members of City Council on the passing away of Mayor John Rowswell.

I also wish to extend our sympathy to his family.

John Rowswell was a hard working mayor who represented his city with enthusiasm and distinction as I recall from our work together a few years ago during a trade mission to Italy. Sincerely yours,

Corrado Paina Executive Director

************************* Tarbutt Township

The Rowswell family has a special connection with Tarbutt Township, and our Council and community, join with so many others who knew John, in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing.

Although it is little consolation at this sad time, the measure of John’s life “well-lived” was through the many communities and lives he touched and the sorrow he leaves behind.

May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew him and loved him.

************************* Earlier SooToday.com coverage of this story Sault loses John Rowswell David Orazietti remembers Mayor John Tony Martin pays tribute to John Rowswell Sudbury mayor recalls working with Mayor John Book of condolences for Mayor John Rowswell available Garden River First Nation honours Mayor John Mayor John's support deeply appreciated Sault Youth Association on death of Mayor John Prime minister's statement on death of John Rowswell Condolences from Township of St. Joseph Military Family Support Group remembers Mayor Rowswell Letters of condolence Big John raises $60,000 for local youth More letters of condolence