Flags lowered in Cambridge to mark death of former mayor

An updated photo of Erwin Nelson. (Courtesy: Lounsbury Funeral Home)

Cambridge is mourning the death of one of the last surviving members of the city’s first city council.

Erwin Nelson died on March 22 at the age of 93.

Erwin served as a Ward 14 representative on the city’s first city council and later became a Waterloo Regional councillor from 1975 until 1976 before becoming Cambridge’s mayor in 1977.

He was also known for his volunteerism with Hespeler minor hockey teams and the Kiwanis Club.

In 1972, he became the founding president of the Board of Directors for Saint Luke’s Place, a non-profit long term care facility.

Erwin lived at Saint Luke’s Place for the last 25 years and died there over the weekend.

“On behalf of the Board, we recognize his original vision to bring long-term care to the Cambridge community and his enduring dream of expanding that care through redevelopment. Our thoughts and prayers are with Erwin’s family during this difficult time,” CEO of Saint Luke’s Place David Bakker said in a news release.

Flags at city run facilities will be flown at half-mast for three days to mark Erwin’s passing.

According to his obituary, his family is asking for donations be made to the Saint Luke’s Place Building Fund in lieu of flowers.