Obituary of Herbert Epp

Herb passed away at home after a brief illness, on Monday, February 25, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. Beloved husband, partner and best friend of Jane (Snider), loving father of David (Leigh Ann) of Singhampton, Sarah (Greg) Brown, of Waterloo, chosen daughter Sparrow, (Dennis) Landry, of Waterloo. Cherished Boppy to Jessica, Christopher, Camden, Chilton, Clover and Ivy. Brother of Leonard (Martha) of Brantford and brother-in-law of Irma Epp of Virgil, Ontario. Predeceased by his parents, Anna and Abraham, brothers Helmut, Rudy, Ted, and Verner. Sadly missed and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Herb studied political science and history at Waterloo Lutheran University, graduating in 1961 and completed a Masters of Education at the University of Toronto in 1972. He worked as a secondary school teacher and guidance counsellor with the St. Catharine's School Board and fifteen years with the Waterloo County Board of Education. He also occasionally worked as a supply teacher after finishing his career in provincial politics. While at WLU Herb organized the first Young Liberals Club. Successful in local politics, he served as an alderman in Waterloo from 1968 to 1974, and was elected to two terms as the city's mayor from 1975 to 1977. A life-long member of the Liberal Party, Herb involved himself in many federal and provincial campaigns, often serving as a campaign manager. Starting in 1977, he was elected four times to the Ontario legislature, representing the constituency of Waterloo North, and winning each time by a healthy margin. During his tenure at Queen's Park Herb served as the parliamentary assistant to the treasurer and as chairman of the Liberal caucus from 1985-1987, retiring from the legislature in 1990. Re-entering politics after a 13-year break, during which, Herb developed a successful real estate business, he was easily elected to a third term as mayor of Waterloo in November 2003. During his last tenure as Mayor, Herb's leadership helped bring a new optimism and stability to the city. In addition to the multi-million dollar development of Waterloo Square in Uptown Waterloo a major development of the west side of the city was initiated. By the time Herb retired from public life after 26 years of dedicated service he was often referred to as "Mr. Waterloo." Among his volunteer activities, Herb served as president and program director of the Rotary Club of Kitchener Westmount, receiving the Rotarian of the Year award for 1994-95 and was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997, a rare distinction. From 2002-2003 Herb was president of the Waterloo Region Branch of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs. Since 2009 Herb has served as Chairman of the Canadian Landmine Foundation. In 2012 Herb was honoured by Wilfrid University as one of its 100 Alumni of Achievement and was also the recipient of "The Order of Wilfrid Laurier." Herb was also delighted and honoured to receive the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for community work. The family wishes to express its appreciation for all the support received from friends over the past few months. Special thanks to Herb's medical team and to CCAC for the compassionate nursing care which allowed Herb to remain at home during his final days. Friends and relatives are invited to share memories of Herb with his family at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service to celebrate his life will take place on Friday, March 1, 2013 at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church 245 Lexington Rd., Waterloo at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall and then a private family interment at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. Condolences for the family and donations in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Landmine Foundation FINANCIAL SERVICES, University of Winnipeg 515 PORTAGE AVENUE WINNIPEG, MB R3B 2E9 may be arranged through the funeral home www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.