Colleagues and friends of North Bay City Coun. Mac Bain are paying tribute following news that he passed away over the weekend. He was 62. Bain announced earlier this year that he wasn’t running for re-election and later said he was battling leukemia. He was diagnosed with leukemia on Sept. 23 and transferred to Health Sciences North in Sudbury the following day. Bain had served on North Bay city council since 2003. MPP Vic Fedeli mourned Bain’s passing in a statement Oct. 19. “Patty and I loved Mac,” Fedeli said. “We always laughed together and saw the lighter side of life. We got elected together, did progressive things as a council, and Mac was extremely proud of the things we did for North Bay’s families. He loved Debbie, and his extended family. He talked about each of them constantly, and with pride. We truly will miss his literally larger-than-life presence.” The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) said in its statement that it “is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Mac Bain, executive director of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities and North Bay city councillor.” “Mac was truly larger than life,” the statement said. “With an unforgettable sense of humour, a heart of gold, and a smile as big as any room he walked into, Mac had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel welcome, valued, and appreciated.” NOMA said he was a devoted husband and a “tireless champion for northern Ontario. “His passion for the North was matched only by his kindness, generosity, and genuine love for people,” the statement said. “For those of us at NOMA who had the privilege of working alongside Mac, he was more than a colleague and partner in advocacy. He was a friend. Whether advocating for our northern communities, sharing a laugh at a conference, or simply catching up, Mac brought warmth, humour, and friendship to everything he did.” ‘Rest easy, Mac’ “Rest easy, Mac. Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and everything you gave to northern Ontario. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.” The Association of Municipalities of Ontario also sent its condolences to his family and friends. “Mac dedicated decades of his life to municipal government, serving the City of North Bay and advocating for municipalities across northern Ontario and the province,” said the statement attributed to AMO president Riley Brockington. “Through his leadership at FONOM and his work with AMO, Mac was a solid voice for municipal interests and the communities they serve. He will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his lasting contributions to municipal government in Ontario.” No details have been announced regarding service arrangements.
