Former city councillor and frequent council candidate Gary Walton died suddenly at a Kitchener hospital on Sunday.
Walton represented Ward 2 residents on council in the 1990s, but fell short in numerous other campaigns for public office, including the 2000 mayoral contest.
Born and raised in Guelph, Walton graduated from John F. Ross CVI and worked at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, according to his Facebook page.
He was 79.
Walton is survived by his sister, Marlynn Swanston, children Ashley (husband Robert) Taraborrelli, Scott Walton and grandchildren Morgan and Jackson Taraborrelli.
A celebration of life is set for the Guelph Country Club (133 Woodlawn Rd. E.) on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Walton’s family asks that donations be made to the Grand River Hospital Satellite Dialysis Center, The Clayton Dialysis Center in Guelph located on Delhi Street.