On behalf of Council, municipal staff and the community, I would like to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to family and dear friends on the passing of Mr. Ken Finnerty, long-serving Reeve of the Town of Kemptville, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of North Grenville. Mr. Finnerty passed away on January 14, 2024.
Mr. Finnerty was a pillar of this community and his loss will be felt by many. Though I did not have the honour of working with him personally – many who knew him well have spoken to me of his enormous impact on our community. His legacy continues today.
He was first elected as Councillor in 1985 and served until 1997. From 1994 – 1997, he served as Reeve of the Town of Kemptville. In 1995, Ken Finnerty was appointed Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, an honour that his father held for exactly forty years prior to his appointment.
Following amalgamation, Mr. Finnerty was elected to Council in 2003 and served eleven consecutive years on North Grenville’s Council (2003 – 2013), serving his last term as Deputy Mayor.
During his time on Council, he was part of major public works infrastructure upgrades in the Municipality. In 2003, when Council was split 2-2, his was the deciding vote in favour of building the North Grenville Municipal Centre. He also played a significant role in the construction of the new North Grenville Public Library in downtown Kemptville.
Mr. Finnerty was well known in the community as a tireless auctioneer for Finnerty Auctions. He also served as President of the Kemptville Snowmobile Klub from 1977 – 1991.
Recently, the Municipality celebrated its 25th Anniversary since amalgamation and though his health did not allow him to attend in person, he was certainly felt in spirit. His name was sprinkled into many conversations and speeches throughout the course of the evening. It was leaders like Ken and his colleagues of the day that brought the Town and Townships of Kemptville, South Gower and Oxford on Rideau together to create this diverse and special community we call home – we are forever in his debt and forever grateful.
North Grenville’s flags were lowered to half-mast in Mr. Finnerty’s honour.
