The unofficial mayor of Gilford has died.
Sam Neilly, the man with the colourful, funny and outgoing personality who was raised in the southern Innisfil village and became affectionately referred to as its head of council, died at Roberta Place in Barrie Oct. 17. He was 95.
"Sam was both a friend and a mentor," Mayor Lynn Dollin said in a social-media post. "Lovingly remembered as the mayor of Gilford. May he rest in peace."
Neilly was born in Gilford. He worked as a farmer and, according to the Innisfil Historical Society, also spent time as a commercial carp harvester in the ice-fishing industry.
He also served as a Simcoe County District School Board trustee, Innisfil Hydro board member and commissioner and Simcoe District Co-op Services board member and president.
"Although Sam will best be remembered for his jokes, storytelling and how grateful he was for everyone in his life, he also loved his family, friends, curling, golf, a good game of euchre, and he never turned down an opportunity to sing and dance," his obituary says.
On a tribute page linked to the obituary, Maureen Wilkinson called Neilly a "wonderful person."
"He had the most amazing outlook on life and verbalized his gratitude so generously," she said. "I have taken that lesson and am grateful to Sam for modelling the way. When I think of Sam it's with a smile and his sense of humour in all situations was such a gift."
A celebration of life will be held at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Rd., in Bradford on Oct. 27 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Donations in Neilly's memory can be made to Gilford United Church.
