In this time of municipal campaigning, it’s sadly poignant that we say one last goodbye to a previous member of city council. Last weekend, former two-term Ward 2 City Councillor Dan Moziar passed away away. Moziar is being remembered for his consequential work as a councillor, his active political life, and being a proud alum of Queen’s University.

Moziar was born in Thunder Bay, he did his undergrad work at Queen’s and then did graduate work at the University of Toronto. He came to Guelph for the first time in 1969 after he was appointed as the Associate Director of Administrative Systems and Programming at the University of Guelph.

Although he spent some time in Nova Scotia, he would later return to Guelph and eventually take on the role of Chair at Guelph Hydro where he lead the utility to two industry awards in recognition for improved operational performance and the contribution to the industry. He then ran for city council and won in 2000 and then won re-election in 2006, but he was unsuccessful in securing a third term in 2006.

During his political career, Moziar was also appointed the Returning Officer for the Riding of Guelph in the 2007 Ontario Provincial Election, and he had “many years” of involvement with both the Federal and Provincial Liberals.

Although he never served with Moziar, Mayor Cam Guthrie offer condolences on behalf of the City of Guelph praising Moziar’s dedication to community and lending the expertise accumulated from his chosen field.

“Guelph is grateful for Dan’s service throughout two terms as a City Councillor. His knowledge of the issues and his love for Guelph made a lasting impact on the city, and will always be remembered,” Guthrie said.

“He served as Guelph Hydro’s Chair during a critical time, in the lead-up to restructuring under the Energy Competition Act of 1998,” he added. “During this period, Dan helped usher in technology investments, operating cost savings, and performance improvements for Guelph Hydro. Dan also served as Chair of the Municipal Electric Association, through which he worked closely with the Ministry of Energy on a provincial level. Guelph benefited greatly from Dan’s experience in this complex sector.”

The flags as Guelph City Hall are currently flying at half-staff in honour of a City employee who passed away, and they will remain lowered in honour of Moziar, according to City of Guelph media release.

Moziar’s family is asking anyone that wants to make a charitable contribution on his behalf, you can donate to the Guelph Alumni Entrance Award at Queen’s University or the Alzheimer Society of Waterloo Wellington.