Sault loses John Rowswell

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor John Rowswell died this morning at Sault Area Hospital after a brave and prolonged battle with cancer.

Family members were at his side.

Through the ups and downs of therapy since he was diagnosed in 2006, Rowswell persevered in both his duties as mayor and in personal efforts to benefit his community.

From September 2007 to April of this year, he achieved his goal of swimming 5,000 laps (shown) to raise money and awareness of a YMCA program that benefits underprivileged children and their families.

"A Rowswell never quits," he said repeatedly.

It was a philosophy that carried him through difficult times, both politically and personally.

A previously planned commemorative dinner honouring the mayor will take place tomorrow night at the Great Northern Resort & Conference Centre (currently under renovations to convert it to the Comfort Suites & Conference Centre).

The following announcement was made today by the City of Sault Ste. Marie:

************************* SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The family of Mayor John Rowswell regrets to announce his passing this morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mayor John has served as the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie for the last 10 years and had been looking forward to attending the dinner to honour this achievement on Wednesday.

Though Mayor John may not attend this celebration in person, he fully intends to be there in spirit to help raise scholarship funds for both Algoma University and Sault College, a commitment he made to family and friends some time ago.

Details concerning funeral arrangements will be released to the community over the next day or so, once finalized.

The family requests that the community please respect their privacy at this time.

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