Councillor John Jacobs passes suddenly

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The Municipality of Leamington is mourning one of its most respected veteran councillors, with the sudden death of John Jacobs.

Jacobs collapsed at his home early Monday morning and did not survive.

The 80-year-old was in the middle of his third term of office, being first elected in 2010.

He often took the less-popular position on council, and went on record earlier this year to oppose the termination of the O.P.P. contract in Leamington.

Always easy to talk to, Jacobs never shied away from an interview request and was always gracious and approachable.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and council colleague,” said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “On behalf of council and municipal staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences to John’s wife Donna and family. John was dedicated to serving the people of Leamington and ensuring their concerns and interests were brought forward to the council table. He will be sadly missed.”

Deputy Mayor Larry Verbeke shared a close friendship with the late councillor.

“John was one hell of a guy,” he said. “Adored and respected by all who knew him.”

Verbeke talked about the two of them remaining close through the COVID pandemic. They talked daily and spent time together outside of council. Although they’d know each other for a long time, the pair grew really close over the past few years.

“I told him he was like my older brother,” he says. “My heart goes out to Donna and the family. He always gave 110 per cent.”

JOHN JACOBS

Councillor John Hammond — another veteran of the municipal political scene — says he and Jacobs reconnected upon Hammond’s return to council in 2014.

“John and I go way back to the days when he was on ambulance and I was on the fire department,” said Hammond. “We shared many coffees over those years, attending fires and accident scenes.”

Hammond took it a step further to talk about their younger days.

“We were poker buddies for many years,” he said. “He will be deeply missed.”

It isn’t just current council members who are affected by Jacobs’ untimely passing.

Former Leamington Mayor John Paterson was quick to offer a tribute to Jacobs as well.

“I served eight years with John and didn’t really know him prior to that,” Paterson said. “I didn’t expect to become such good friends, but he was just that kind of guy.”

Paterson praised Jacobs for his work on council and will cherish the memories of going to conferences together.

“He was one of the council members I trusted most,” he said. “I am just beside myself.”

Corey Robertson, President of The Bank Theatre offered his condolences on behalf of the theatre group.

“John Jacobs was a great supporter of The Bank Theatre, as he was with all things Leamington. John served as the town representative on the board of directors several years ago and was on the steering committee for The Bank Theatre when we first began our vision”, said Robertson. “His guiding hand played an important role in bringing the dream of our theatre renovation to fruition. All of us at The Bank Theatre send our sincere condolences to his wife Donna, family, friends, and colleagues."

Jacobs was the longtime owner of Sun Parlour Ambulance before getting into municipal politics.

Flags at all Leamington facilities are flying at half staff and the council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 10 has been postponed to Tuesday, November 17.