A two-time mayor of the Town of Westlock and Legion member for more than 50 years passed away last week.
Doug Rice, the 10th mayor in the town’s history, died March 24 at his home in St. Albert. He was 90.
First elected to council in 1983, Rice served two terms before defeating incumbent Kay Vaughan for the mayor’s seat in 1989. He was re-elected in 1992 and retired from politics in 1995.
Former mayor and councillor Bruce Lennon sat alongside Rice during his final term and said he respected his work leading the community.
“He was a good guy, very non-authoritarian and a very practical kind of mayor. I thought he did a great job,” Lennon said.
“He was around Westlock for a number of years and was involved in a number of things. He had a feel for the community and was very well-liked and well-respected.”
Lennon recalled Rice leading a very cohesive council.
“He wasn’t a confrontational kind of mayor and listened to all sides. We operated by way of consensus,” he said.
“He was open. He didn’t necessarily have to have his way all the time. That was very helpful and council ran smooth.”
Following Rice’s retirement, Shirley Morie was elected as mayor and although she never worked with him, she said he left the municipality in great shape.
“He was an excellent mayor and he ran a good ship,” Morie said.
“He was a good businessman and he ran the town very well.”
Current mayor Ralph Leriger offered his condolences on behalf of the municipality.
“Doug and his wife Doreen were always community boosters. Strong supporters and active members of the Legion,” Leriger said.
“He was very active on council. The late 70s and 80s those were really the active building years of our community … the boom time.
“The Town of Westlock and council and I extend sympathies to the family.”
Outside of council chambers Rice was an active member of the Westlock Legion where he served as president from 1972-73 and was a member for 57 years.
“He was a very involved. Our veterans project where we gathered the pictures and stories of the area veterans, Doug spearheaded that,” said Legion branch manager Avril Campbell.
“He was on the Colour Party, the executive committee … he was very involved. Doug was a strong member.”
A celebration of Rice’s life was held at Hazel Bluff Hall on Saturday, April 2.
