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Former Mayor Garth Vallely passes away

Apr 9, 2018 | 3:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A former mayor of Medicine Hat has passed away.

The city announced on Monday that Garth Vallely, who served as mayor for six years, passed away on April 7. Vallely was 79 years old, according to an obituary posted by Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel.

He was first election in 2001, succeeding Ted Grimm, and re-elected in 2004. He did not seek a third-term in 2007.

“On behalf of City Council, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Garth’s family and loved ones on his passing,” said Mayor Ted Clugston in a statement.

“Over his two terms as Mayor, from October 2001 to October 2007, Garth repeatedly demonstrated his caring and compassion for the residents of this community. He was well liked and well respected by all.”

Clugston went on to say Vallely was a community advocate, who championed affordable housing in the city.

During his second term, he created the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, “to bring the voices and ideas of young people to City Hall,” the statement reads.

Clugston’s statement adds Vallely’s most visible legacy will likely be the Canalta Centre. During the 2004 State of the City Address, Vallely publicly noted his intention to see a new event centre built in Medicine Hat.

“That intention, along with his hard work and the work of many others, has developed into a facility that allows our residents to showcase the community and build memories,” the statement reads.

According to his obituary, Vallely’s was also heavily involved with several community organizations, including the United Way of Southeastern Alberta, the Medicine Hat Community Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce and the Alberta Softball Umpires Association.

Flags at City Hall will be flown at half mast until after his funeral on Saturday.