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Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Ron Schenk remembered as a family man

May 15, 2020

Plympton-Wyoming Councillor Ron Schenk has passed away.

His daughter, Olivia, announced his passing on social media Friday morning. He was 58.

Schenk had a stroke 2019 but returned to council in January to help with budget deliberations.

Plympton-Wyoming’s budget session in January marked the return of Councillor John Schenk. Schenk had a stroke in the fall and has missed several months of council meetings. He entered the council chamber just as the meeting was to begin, to a standing ovation from members of council and staff. The councillor, who always actively contributes to budget discussions, didn’t disappoint. He took issue with a number of statements, particularly about Mayor Lonny Napper’s suggestion to borrow money to improve more roads.

Schenk was in his fifth term on Plympton-Wyoming councillor serving in almost every capacity including on the fire board and parks and recreation committee.

He was known for voicing his opinion particularly on development issues and the budget.

His daughter, Olivia, in an online post added “Dad always said what he wanted to say and did what he wanted to do. He lived a life regret free, and died with no loose ends left to tie.

Olivia says her dad touched many people.

“It was hard to go anywhere with dad without him running into a million people he knew and needed to take a moment to catch up with. Even quick runs to the bakery or store turned into hour long social events whenever dad was there. His reach was global, with friends in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Whenever I tell people Ron Schenk is my dad it almost always leads to a connection. “

And while Schenk was known in political spheres, it was his family, Olivia says, that was most important to him.

“He had a great sense of humour and I have so many memories laughing together. Family was really important to dad, and I could not have asked for a better father to raise me and my brother.”

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