Cambridge council took a moment to remember and reflect on Mike Farnan's legacy around the horseshoe Tuesday night.
The former Cambridge councillor and Cambridge MPP died Monday at the age of 83.
He served as a municipal councillor in Cambridge between 1982 and 1987 and was first elected Member of Provincial Parliament serving Cambridge in 1987 as a member of the NDP.
His obituary says he held various cabinet positions throughout his career, including Minister of Transportation, Associate Minister of Education, Minister of Correctional Services, Minister of the Solicitor General, and First Deputy Speaker of the House.
After his political career ended in 1995, he became a real estate broker, and returned to teaching. During his retirement, he continued to play an active role in the community.
Mayor Jan Liggett began her tribute to Farnan Tuesday by saying "a great human being died yesterday."
Flags at city hall were flown in half mast throughout the day today and council chambers were decorated with a green hat and shamrocks to honour Farnan's Irish roots.
"Mike Liam Farnan was one of us. He graced this chamber as a member of council for five years at a time when council numbered 13 and left only to proudly serve as a Member of Provincial Parliament representing Cambridge for eight years, holding many different portfolios."
She said despite his politics, Farnan always spoke and felt as a member of the community and supported his constituents in Cambridge and beyond.
"He could be fierce and passionate, but in the next minute, soft spoken and encouraging. He lifted up the spirits of many always proudly quoting Irish wisdom, sayings and prayers from the land of his birth."
Liggett recalled Farnan's vote for a woman's right to choose despite being personally opposed to abortion.
She also credited Farnan with encouraging her to stay in politics because he thought she had a lot to offer the community.
"I wasn't the only one that he touched in that way. He encouraged many others to enter politics as well."
Liggett thanked Farnan's family for sharing their husband, father and grandfather with the community.