The Independent

Long-time Warwick Township councillor Jerry Westgate has been the Mayor’s award for his service to the community.

Westgate was honoured Saturday during his retirement party at the East Lambton Community Complex. Westgate first served in Watford as a councillor and has been on Warwick Township council since the township and Watford amalgamated. He’s served 32 years in total and is the only person to have served the entire time since amalgamation.

Mayor Todd Case was among the politicians to thank Westgate his service. Case and council presenting him with the Mayor’s Award for his long time service to the community both on council committees and community organizations where he has served.

Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott also presented Westgate with a certificate marking his service.

In an interview with The Independent in August, Westgate said it was a difficult decision to make to step away from the council table, however early in his career, he set a goal for the length of his career.

“I always said I wouldn’t be on council, and I was 80, and I’d be well into my 80s if I ran another term,” he said. “I’ve had been on council with older people that were over 80, and I thought, ‘well, when I get that old, I’m not going to be on council. Let the younger ones take care of it.’”

Westgate said he hopes to continue serving the community on a committee of council. He also plans to spend more time with his grandchildren.