The Township of Georgian Bluffs has lowered flags to half mast in recognition of former long-time Council member Carol Barfoot, who passed away peacefully on ­Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 following a battle with cancer.

Carol Barfoot was first elected to Council in 1991. A Georgian Bluffs resident of more than four decades, she served over 28 years as an elected official in the community. Over the years she sat on all township committees, and had been an active member of the Kemble and District Lions Club, Sydenham Sportsmen Association, and an enthusiastic community volunteer.

Earlier this year she was presented with a Platinum Jubilee custom coin by MP Alex Ruff – an honour extended to outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to their community.

At a celebration in her honour in August of 2022, Carol remarked “I do not regret one minute of what I spent as a councillor in this township. I love the people here … I did it because I wanted to help, and I’d do it again in a minute.”

When addressing her illness, Carol said “A lot of people don’t know what to say when they’re talking to someone terminally ill. I tell them, give me a hug. You don’t have to say anything, just give me a hug. It’s the best thing you can do.”

“Carol was a force in the community. Her dedication and great sense of humour had a positive impact on all of us who were lucky enough to know her. The rest of Council and myself are so privileged to have gotten to work with her and learn from her, and I know we will carry her spirit forward in our new term. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time” said Mayor Sue Carleton.

The flags will remain at half-mast until following the memorial service, which will be held at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 16, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation for one hour prior. The family would appreciate donations to the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army, or Chapman House Hospice as an expression of sympathy.