Flags at Windsor City Hall have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Howard Pawley, a former Manitoba premier and professor at the University of Windsor.
Pawley, who served as premier from 1981 to 1988, passed away Wednesday in a Windsor hospital at the age of 81.
He came to the University of Windsor in 1991 where he taught political science. He served as an associate professor emeritus until his death.
New Democratic Party worker Kieran McKenzie met Pawley in 1993 when he took political science at the University of Windsor.
"I was kind of awed by the guy. He really did make politics come alive for me, and in many respects is responsible for me choosing to major in political science," he says. "After I was done my academic career, he became a colleague and a mentor. We developed a true friendship."
McKenzie says despite failing health in recent years, Pawley volunteered for his campaign in Ward 9 during the last municipal election and Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky's campaign. He was also active during the federal election campaign where he met Essex MP Tracey Ramsey.
"He was an icon. Not just in the NDP but certainly through his position at the University," says Ramsey. "He touched so many people there. Howard really had a way with people where he influenced them to really push themselves, to be better."
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.