William Jarvis, former Perth-Wilmot MP, dies at 85

William H. Jarvis, a former MP for Perth-Wilmot and Perth, is shown in this photograph from the Parliament of Canada website.

A man who represented Perth County and part of Waterloo Region federally has died.

William H. Jarvis was first elected in the riding of Perth-Wilmot in 1972.

A redistribution saw Wilmot Township leave his riding in 1979. Jarvis continued to represent the new riding, now named Perth, until 1984.

In 1979, the Progressive Conservative was named a minister of state for federal-provincial relations.

He spent most of his political career in opposition, where he served as the opposition critic for the environment, energy, labour and other departments.

After leaving politics, Jarvis spent nearly three years as president of the Progressive Conservative Party.

In a statement, current Perth-Wellington MP John Nater said that he was saddened by news of Jarvis’ death.

“He was a pillar of our community for many years and served his constituents admirably in the House of Commons,” Nater said.

Jarvis worked as a lawyer prior to entering politics.