The Epitome Of Grace ~ John Grace
Crazy sad news this week. I got a message from a friend in the middle of the night Tuesday/Wednesday morning, that there had been an accident and that John Grace, Mayor and friend of the Town of Goderich had passed away. I prayed for a couple of hours that morning that it was not true and that, as happens too often these days, it was some weird, internet or social media rumour. But as the morning progressed, we learned that John had, in fact passed in a boating accident near his beloved “Old Post Lodge” up north near Pickle Lake.
It left me largely speechless for a large part of the day. And of course, anytime someone you know passes away it can send you into a period of reeling around all the aspects of human mortality.
I met John Grace many times over the years but it was really our “Run Phil Run” campaign in 2019 when I got to see the heart behind the man, as he stood in front of a packed house at the Livery and delivered his story and struggle with mental health issues. His testimony was honest, emotional and raw. He was the real deal.
John was connected to his community and it’s people and in all aspects was “one of us.” Here, he heads to the stage at a Tanner Steffler Foundation – #RunPhilRun event in March 2019 to discuss mental health.
TSF’s John Steffler thanking those, including John, who stepped up to promote the importance of mental health.
Those moments helped me to feel more strongly a feeling that seems to be recurring in all the social media posts I’ve seen in the last 24 hrs particularly among the residents of Goderich, and that is … He wasn’t just the Mayor, he was one of us … a flesh and blood human being who simply loved people and his town.
I’ve seen him a few times recently … On the square celebrating and delivering a greeting to the town from the performance stage on Canada Day and last weekend I saw him at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival. I’m still in a little bit of shock to be honest, to think that I just saw him a few days ago and now that will be the last I see him.
He was standing near the Green Hut, one of the entrances that patrons and artists use to enter Lion’s Parks. He had just delivered his welcoming remarks to kick off the 30th Celtic Roots Festival and shouted across the lawn at me, “Hey! What are you doin’ in our town?” I yelled back, Hey! This is MY town, I just need you to take care of it until I can move back.” He shot me one of his famous grins.
I believe that along with his family, John loved nothing more than taking care of Goderich.
It was his pride and his joy and I have to simply say, job well done my friend.
My heart and I’m sure all our hearts are with John’s family: Wendy and the boys, his closest friends and with our town. We will miss him.
*****
I’m ending the blog today with a few favourite images of the world famous sunset in the town John loved. Until we meet again.
“Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.”
~ Vincent Van Gogh
