Long serving politician Johnny Whitteker dies

Long time politican and farmer Johnny Whitteker, seen here in a photo from the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home, died Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the age of 89. He was at the Woodland Villa Nursing Home in Long Sault, Ont. (Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Homes Ltd. via Newswatch Group)

SOUTH DUNDAS – A man who served over a half-century in municipal politics is gone.

Johnny Whitteker died today (Thursday, April 7, 2016) at the Woodland Villa Nursing Home in Long Sault.

He was 89.

Whitteker had an impressive background in municipal politics from 1955 to 2006, serving on county council for 37 years and as warden in 1975.

Also on his resume was reeve of the former Williamsburg Township, as well as mayor and councillor in South Dundas.

He was also one of the big players in the farming industry with a large herd of beef and dairy cows.

One of the longest serving municipal politicians in Ontario, Whitteker was also the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey, six children and many grandchildren.

A funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the South Dundas Lutheran Community Church in Williamsburg with visitation the day before.

You can read the obituary, including visitation times, here.