Councillor Kelly's Statement on the Passing of Former West Carleton Township Mayor Dwight Eastman

Former West Carleton Township Mayor and City Councillor Dwight Eastman

It is with a heavy heart that I inform the residents of West Carleton-March that Dwight Eastman passed away earlier today.

Dwight dedicated much of his life to public service and supporting his community. Our thoughts are with the Eastman family during this difficult time.

It was only last week that Dwight came to visit me. Before mentioning that he was sick, he took time to talk to me generally about local issues and gave me some advice and ideas. This is a testament to his commitment to the community he lived in and served. Even knowing that he was in his final days, he took some of that precious time to focus on making things better for the people of Wast Carleton-March.

This was something he did regularly, and I always greatly appreciated the opportunity to talk to the last Mayor of the Township of West Carleton, and our first City Councillor following amalgamation. This really gave him a unique and important perspective, and his advice and lessons were extremely valuable.

On Tuesday this week, the Mayor and I visited Dwight to proclaim today, Friday May 16th Dwight Eastman Day in the City of Ottawa. This honour helps to recognize and celebrate the many contributions he has made to our community and City. It is only coincidence that it fell on the day that he passed.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announces at Council this week that he and Councillor Kelly are proclaiming Friday, May 16th, 2025, to be Dwight Eastman Day in Ottawa.

Today our community lost a great man whose love and dedication for his family and community were always very plain to see.

Thank you for everything Dwight, you will be greatly missed.

Clarke

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July 2023: Three generations of West Carleton-March Councillors pose for a photo in the same room at the Community Centre that will be commemoratively named the Dwight Eastman Community Hall. Left to right, Clarke Kelly, Dwight Eastman, and Eli El-Chantiry.

The official proclamation that Friday May 16, 2025, is Dwight Eastman Day in Ottawa.

May 13, 2025: Dwight's son, Darryl, reads a letter from his father on Tuesday of this week, thanking everyone for this week's proclamation.

And some images from the farm, including Dwight's final project - a totem pole that he finished just two weeks ago.