Former Cambridge mayor Erwin Nelson dies

Erwin Nelson, the last surviving member of Cambridge's first city council, has died.

The city announced Nelson's death on Wednesday. He died on Saturday at Saint Luke's Place in Hespeler. He was 93.

Nelson was a regional councillor from 1975 to 1976, then became mayor of Cambridge from 1977 to 1978. He also ran for the Progressive Conservatives as a candidate.

He was part of the process to amalgamate the towns of Hespeler, Galt, Blair and Preston into Cambridge.

"Galt, Preston and Hespeler were three municipalities who co-existed beside each other, but it was still separate municipalities geographically and competitively," Nelson said in a 2023 interview with CBC News reflecting on city's 50th anniversary.

"We never got along with Galt, we never got along with Preston, but we had to exist because the Ontario government said, 'That's enough of this annexation,'" he said.

He said the three towns loved to play hockey against each other.

"The penalty box was always full and Friday nights you couldn't get a seat in the Hespeler Arena for minor hockey," he said laughing.

WATCH | Erwin Nelson reflects on start of Cambridge Fire Department:

Erwin Nelson reflects on start of Cambridge Fire Department

2 years ago

Duration 3:30

When Galt, Preston, Hespeler and Blair amalgamated to become Cambridge in 1973, it was Erwin Nelson's job to bring the individual fire departments together and he admits, that wasn't an easy task.

Remembered for 'energy and love for Cambridge'

Nelson was born in Chesley, Ont., in 1931 and apprenticed at H.K. Stager Funeral Home in Preston after graduating high school, his obituary says.

Nelson owned and operated Nelson Funeral Home in Hespeler from 1957 until he retired in 1996. He also volunteered with minor hockey, the Kiwanis club and was a founding president of the board of directors for Saint Luke's Place in 1972.

David Bakker, CEO of Saint Luke's Place, said in a release that staff and the board of directors were sad to hear of Nelson's death.

"We recognize his original vision to bring long-term care to the Cambridge community and his enduring dream of expanding that care through redevelopment. Our thoughts and prayers are with Erwin's family during this difficult time," Bakker said in a press release from the city Wednesday.

Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett said Nelson's contributions and service to the community "have become part of the fabric of our city."

"His involvement in business, politics, and volunteerism is a testament to his energy and love for Cambridge. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered," Liggett said in the release.