Former mayor Richard Davis, the man whose name for more than two decades was synonymous with Richmond Hill, has died.
The city announced his passing Sunday morning on Facebook:
It is with great sadness that the City of Richmond Hill announces the death of former Mayor Richard Davis.
Mayor Davis was first elected to the City of Richmond Hill City Council in November 1979 and then elected as its Mayor in 1989. He provided distinguished leadership during his thirty-one years serving as a City of Richmond Hill elected official.
He was the driving force in J.F. Gregory Park being built on a 320-acre tract of land in the heart of the City of Richmond Hill that has become a crown jewel enjoyed by thousands of families, nature enthusiasts, and recreationists. He was also instrumental in starting the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival.
Mayor Davis made invaluable contributions to the City of Richmond Hill with his passion for public service and influenced many lives with his positive attitude and his commitment to serving others. He was also tireless in fighting for what he thought was best for the City of Richmond Hill and its residents.
The City of Richmond Hill will forever be indebted to Mayor Davis for his guidance, outreach, involvement, and sincere passion for making this the best City in which to live, work, and play.
We will greatly miss Mayor Davis, and our prayers are with his family.
Richmond Hill Mayor Russ Carpenter said Davis “was a visionary leader who transformed our city. One can’t enjoy J.F. Gregory Park without thinking of him, or attend the Seafood Festival, which he helped start. He was tireless in fighting for what he thought best for Richmond Hill. His impact can’t really be described. We will miss The Mayor.”
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