Heather Wright/The Independent

It was a night of goodbyes at St. Clair Township council.

During Monday’s final meeting of the 2022-2026 council, Mayor Jeff Agar thanked three outgoing members, Deputy Mayor Steve Miller, who served 44 years on Sombra and St. Clair council, and Councillors Pat Brown and Cathy Langis, who were defeated Oct. 26.

Agar paid tribute to Langis saying “You’ve brought your own perspective to this council and your dedication and contributions have been sincerely appreciated.”

The mayor’s voice broke as he thanked Brown, who has served four terms on council. “Pat, you’ve seen many changes in our community over the years, and have played a role in helping shape the township we know today. Your experience, knowledge, and dedication to our residents have been greatly appreciated,” he said.

And Agar had kind words for Miller, who is retiring. “I think you attended more council meetings than most people would ever care to count. I counted them though – you have 4384,” he said with a smile.

“You’ve witnessed a tremendous change in our community, worked alongside generations of counsellors and staff, dedicated a remarkable part of your life to public service,” he said, adding he would be missed around the council table.

Miller said he enjoyed his service, adding St. Clair is the envy of other Lambton municipalities. “We had the best councils, and we all got along – didn’t all agree all the time, but we got along.”

Brown was gracious, wishing the new council well. “I look forward to good things coming to St. Clair Township.”

Langlis says she will miss being on council; “I appreciated and enjoyed every minute of it. It was a lot of fun. It was educational. It was frustrating. It was hilarious.”

Councillor Brad Langstaff thanked Langis, whom he called his Council Mom, Brown and Miller for their service – Langis for her advice, Brown for his fiscal responsibility and Miller for showing leadership including “how to act as a as a public figure.”

St. Clair’s inaugural meeting is Nov. 16.