Sault Ste. Marie Mayor John Rowswell has died after a long battle with cancer.
An Aug. 31 release from the City of Sault Ste. Marie said Rowswell died that morning.
The three-term mayor was to be the guest of honour at a community celebratory dinner Sept. 1 recognizing his achievements over his 10 years as mayor.
At Rowswell's request, the dinner will go on with money raised going toward scholarships at Algoma University and Sault College.
“Though Mayor John may not attend this celebration in person, he fully intends to be there in spirit to help raise scholarship funds for both Algoma University and Sault College, a commitment he made to family and friends some time ago,” said a city media release.
Rowswell was a political newcomer when first elected as mayor in 2000, defeating incumbent Steve Butland.
He ran his own consulting engineer company, Rowswell & Associates Engineers Ltd.
Rowswell announced earlier this year he did not plan for run for a fourth term in the upcoming fall municipal elections.
Flags on all municipal buildings will be lowered to half mast this week.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
