Former MPP Andy Brandt has passed away.

The former city alderman and mayor of Sarnia,  MPP and Interim Leader of the Conservative Party and long-time chair of the LCBO died this morning.

Brant was the owner of the Academy of Musical Arts, a company that sold musical instruments and gave lessons in the 1960s.

Brandt first political foray was in the 1972 federal election for the Progressive Conservatives but lost to Liberal Bud Cullen in the Sarnia-Lambton riding. Shortly after becoming Sarnia’s 64th mayor in 1975, Brandt said he wanted to be remembered as the man responsible for changing the direction of Sarnia.

Brandt worked with Lambton on boundary restructuring and was the first to push for Highway 402.

He went on to win a seat in the provincial legislature from 1981 to 1990. He was a cabinet minister for Premiers Bill Davis and Frank Miller. He was known for his colourful style.

He later served as interim leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in from 1987 when the party went down to defeat in the provincial election. He served as leader until 1990 when Mike Harris became leader.

After he retired from politics, Brandt was appointed as chairman and CEO of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario.

He was also the long-time chair of the Lambton College board of directors.

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley says a memorial service will be held in mid-January.