WHITESTONE, ON – Flags at the Whitestone municipal office are at half-mast to honour the life of Mayor Chris Armstrong.
The municipality announced Armstrong’s death in a release on Tuesday. According to officials, he passed away Monday. His wife has announced he passed away from cancer.
“We are deeply saddened by this news,” deputy mayor George Comrie said. “On behalf of council, staff and Whitestone residents, I extend our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Chris’ wife Rhonda and his family.”
Armstrong was first elected to Whitestone Council as a councillor in 2003. He moved to the mayor’s chair in 2006, was re-elected in 2010, again in 2014 and was acclaimed as Mayor in the recent 2018 election.
Chris was also a long-time dedicated member of the Whitestone Fire and Rescue Department and served as a volunteer on the department for over 30 years. Since amalgamation in 2000, he held the position of Deputy Fire Chief.
Armstrong promoted the uniqueness of Whitestone and moved the community forward in many ways, according to the release.
Funeral details haven’t been released yet.
Tuesday’s council meeting has been cancelled due to Armstrong’s passing.