The Township of Oro-Medonte is mourning the death of its deputy mayor, two weeks after the loss of one of its councillors.
Scott Jermey died Wednesday morning.
Mayor Harry Hughes said he was in “disbelief” when the township’s acting CAO called him to share the news. Hughes had a lengthy phone conversation with Jermey the night before.
“He seemed like there were no problems. I guess something happened during the night,” Hughes said, adding he was not aware of the circumstances of Jermey’s death.
The mayor described his colleague as “upbeat and very active in the community.”
“He was really astute and intelligent. He had a lot of energy. I’ve never seen anyone come more prepared and thoughtful in my experience on council,” Hughes said. “He’ll not only be missed on council, but he’ll be missed by others for everything he did in the community. He was really good to work with. He was an excellent deputy mayor.”
Jermey, a dairy farmer, served one term as Ward 5 councillor before being elected deputy mayor in 2018.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this time," said Hughes.
Jermey’s death leaves two vacancies on Oro-Medonte council. Ward 2 Coun. Scott Macpherson died Nov. 6 following a lengthy illness.
The township will have to first officially declare both seats vacant before deciding how to fill them. The options are byelection or appointment.
“We haven’t discussed filling positions yet because neither position has been declared vacant,” Hughes said.
It’s unclear when that discussion will come before council.
Hughes did not know exactly how old Jermey was, but the deputy mayor was in his 50s.
