By Galen Simmons, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Fond memories and words of remembrance about his no-nonsense, practical approach to municipal politics are pouring in following the recent passing of Perth South Mayor and former Perth County warden Jim Aitcheson.
According to his obituary posted to the W.G. Young Funeral Home website, Aitcheson passed away on Nov. 21 after a brief battle with cancer. He had been on leave from his duties as Perth South mayor and Perth County councillor since early October.
“I had the pleasure of working with Jim as a fellow member of county council and had the fortunate opportunity to work alongside him as deputy warden during his time as warden of Perth County,” said Perth County Warden Rhonda Ehgoetz in a press release from the county announcing Aitcheson’s passing. “It has been an honour to work alongside him and his voice and presence will be greatly missed around the council table.”
Other members of county council who served alongside Aitcheson said they will miss his presence and leadership around the county council table, and reminisced about his passion for local politics and his ability to tell a story that illustrated any point he was trying to make.
“He was protective of our rural farmlands,” said West Perth Mayor and county councillor Walter McKenzie, who worked closely with Aitcheson when McKenzie was warden and Aitcheson was deputy warden. “He was a straight shooter and you never had to guess what he was thinking. He would get a twinkle in his eye and a smile would appear on his face, and you knew that there was going to be one of Jim’s one-liner statements about to be heard.”
North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg, who also worked closely with Aitcheson as a fellow member of county council, described Aitcheson as “passionately fair, stalwart in what was important and possessing a rare mix of humour, wisdom and kindness.”
“As warden, he oversaw with grace and skill some rather difficult times during the pandemic. It may be in that service that we owe him our biggest gratitude. He was part curmudgeon and part storyteller, and I enjoyed every minute of our public and behind-the-scenes work together. A call with Jim was always a treat because he called it straight and was very reassuring. You knew where he stood and why he stood there.”
Aitcheson was first elected as councillor for the Downie Ward in the Township of Perth South in 2006. He served as Downie Ward councillor until 2022 when he was elected mayor of the Township of Perth South.
Aitcheson spent a total of 13 years serving on Perth County council. He was elected warden of Perth County for three years spanning from 2019-2022. In his time as warden, he led the county through the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Aitcheson was a tireless advocate for rural life and served on many committees of council.
“Jim was never afraid to speak his mind,” Perth South acting Mayor Sue Orr said. “He was very good at asking the hard questions and, at times, had to make hard decisions. His decision making was based on facts and good, long-term business sense not only for Perth South but also for Perth County. Jim would always pick up the phone to talk and to listen. He was an advocate for responsible farmhouse severances, mental-health issues, Woodland Towers, Spruce Lodge Long Term Care and, most importantly, he genuinely cared about them all. He also cared about the farming community, best land-use practices, the Optimist Club and, most importantly, his family. He was fiercely proud of his wife, Lori, and of all his children, especially their work ethics.”
Aitcheson also worked closely with his counterparts in neighbouring Stratford and St. Marys on issues of importance like paramedic services, long-term care, public-health services and regional transit.
“I appreciated his style of leadership, which was very direct, however (he was) always able to see the total picture,” said Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma, who attended high school with Aitcheson at what was then Stratford Northwestern Secondary School (now Stratford District Secondary School). “His love of agriculture and his passion for farming and the preservation of our valuable farmland certainly resonated with me. … I know that Mayor Aitcheson’s work will continue to bear fruits well into the future.”
“I was fortunate to work closely with Jim during the pandemic during his time as warden,” said St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee. “He offered a very cooperative and strong public front during a difficult time. I was grateful for his leadership in strong support of public-health measures. Jim was also a very dedicated member of the St. Marys and Area Mobility Service. His advocacy for seniors and those in need of medical transportation will be missed. … Never one to shy away from a good laugh, it was always fun to be around Jim. Even in very stressful and serious situations, he had an uncanny ability to lighten the mood.”
Flags at municipal buildings across Stratford, St. Marys, Perth County and Perth South were lowered last week in recognition of Aitcheson’s passing.
Perth-Wellington’s provincial and federal representatives spoke fondly of Aitcheson’s political ability and his dedication to serving the people of his township and his county.
“Jim was a dedicated leader both in the community and on council,” Perth-Wellington MP John Nater said. “During his three terms as warden of Perth County, Jim navigated some of the most turbulent times in the county’s history and earned the respect and friendship of all who worked with him. Over 13 years in municipal government and many decades of volunteer service, he demonstrated strong leadership through his hard work, wise words and sound judgement. No matter the challenge, he was ready to help. I will miss his no-nonsense advice and his deep commitment to those he served.”
“During my time working with Jim, I knew him to be a devoted public servant always having the interests of the community at heart,” Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae said. “From rural broadband to community infrastructure investments, it was always a pleasure working with Jim to improve our rural communities. Jim was also a proud husband, father and grandfather. I always appreciated his frankness and I know that he will be missed by myself and many others in Perth County and across Ontario.”
Outside of politics, Aitcheson was a loyal Downie Optimist from the day he first joined in November 1981. Aitcheson was active as the club treasurer from 1995 until 2010. In 2014, he received Life Member status for his distinguished service as treasurer.
According to his obituary, Aitcheson’s favourite pastime was telling anyone and everyone about his children and grandchildren. He wanted everyone to know how proud he was about their various accomplishments and how well everyone was doing.
Aitcheson’s family thanks the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth and the Perth County Paramedic Service, as well as all of his friends and family who visited to keep him up to date on everything that was happening in the community.
A celebration of life will be held for Aitcheson at Downie Optimist Community Centre (3185 Perth Road 122, St. Pauls) on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 1-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rotary Hospice Stratford-Perth, St. Marys and Area Mobility Service or the Downie Optimist Club through W. G. Young Funeral Home (430 Huron St., Stratford) or online at www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com.
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