A longtime politician is being remembered as a tireless advocate for the town of LaSalle.
Former LaSalle Mayor William (Bill) Varga, who served in a variety of positions during a long and illustrious career, died Monday morning at the age of 91. Varga served as a councillor, reeve, deputy reeve, deputy mayor and a mayor.
Current Mayor Marc Bondy said Varga's trustworthiness was an asset to local politics.
"It is difficult to find the words to describe Bill," said Bondy in a media release. "Bill had so much integrity. He was someone who we want to be like. Bill always did what was best for the community. He thought about the community first and foremost."
Bondy told Blackburn News that Varga will be remembered as a caring man who always did what he could to help out others.
"He was the type of guy to walk in a room and it wouldn't be 'hi, I'm here.' It would be 'hi, I'm here, what can I do to help you, what can I do for you?' It was always about giving," Bondy said.
Another former mayor, Ken Antaya, also had high praise for Varga and his long political career.
"This is a sad moment for LaSalle. It is also the time to take the opportunity to reflect on how much Bill was a part of the township of Sandwich West and the town of LaSalle," said Antaya. "Bill was incredibly popular in his beloved Town as well as highly respected regionally. People loved being around him. For over 30 years of working for, with and beside him, I could always count on his support and unwavering loyalty. He will be missed."
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens was among those who took to Twitter to pay tribute to Varga.
https://twitter.com/drewdilkens/status/1178756672652750850
Varga's political career began in 1974, according to the town of LaSalle, sitting for the township of Sandwich West until 1982, then again from 1985 to 1990. Once amalgamation took place to create the current town of LaSalle in 1991, he served until his retirement in 2010.
Bondy reflected fondly on how Varga was often referred to as 'Senator Bill' due to his long-time political career.
"People can be educated, people can plan things and people will want to do things. But something you can't hide is when you have passion and Bill just had that passion for the town," said Bondy.
He also had a seat on Essex County Council from 1977 to 1982, then from 1985 to 2010. He was also a longtime member of the Essex County Library Board, and the LaSalle branch of the Essex County Library was named after Varga in 1996.
Bondy has ordered flags on all municipal property be lowered to half-staff to remember Varga. There has been no word yet on any funeral arrangements.
