Paying tribute to former Councillor Culhane

At its meting Monday night, Belleville city council paid tribute to Councillor Pat Culhane who died earlier this month.

Members of Culhane’s family sat in the chambers as Mayor Mitch Panciuk led off the tribute.

Panciuk said the former councillor had a way to get to the heart of the matter with laser-like precision that sometimes made some people uncomfortable.

He said, “She rocked the boat when she felt it needed rocking because she cared for people and she fundamentally wanted to make things better.” Panciuk called her “A strong voice in the community.”

Each councillor spoke about Culhane  her work on council and in the community at large.

Coucillor Chris Malette told of stories he and Culhane shared and referred to her humour.
Councillor Ryan Williams said she knew you had to accept your responsibility and sometimes had to change your mind.
Councillor Bill Sandison referred to Culhane as a wonderful lady. “She had an open door and an open heart, a warrior in advocacy for Belleville residents.”

With her voice shaking, Councillor Kelly McCaw  said Culhane thought you should be more concerned about your character than your reputation,  and emphasized her work with the Humane Society.

Councillor Paul Carr emphasized there was no doubt where her positions lie – always had the best interest of residents at heart and joked she would wrap left over food to give to someone in need.

Councillor Garnet Thomson pointed to the fact Culhane would pull out her wallet and write checks for so many events and fund raisers. He took a sip from a water bottle as a tribute to her, and said he’d better not take another because it wasn’t water.

Councillor Sean Kelly commented, “What a life what a legacy, loved by so many, accomplished so much in 73 years.”

He mentioned her 50-plus years in nursing, her work with the Humane Society.
Referring to her Irish roots, Kelly picked up his violin to play When Irish eyes are Smiling.