Tara Jeffrey
Former City of Sarnia city manager Lloyd Fennell has died at the age of 75 after a brief battle with cancer.
“Lloyd defined true public service in his 41 years in municipal government,” Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley stated in a social media post, Wednesday. “A true leader trusted and respected with a kind heart.”
Fennell, a native of Thunder Bay, followed a path of public service to St. Thomas before settling in Sarnia, according to an obituary notice.
He became city manager in 2009, and was a “steady hand in difficult social and economic times,” Bradley noted. “A stable and unifying leader in areas of fiscal fitness, disability employment, labour negotiations, economic development and customer service.
“Lloyd greatly respected each and every person who he dealt with and strongly believed that all citizens were equal and deserved the best customer service possible from himself and Sarnia Staff.”
Fennell retired as City Manager in 2013.
“Noted for his grace, kindness and common sense, Lloyd faced his cancer diagnosis with immense courage and a quiet nobility,” his obituary reads. “True to character, Lloyd’s concern for his family remained his focus, continuing to inspire love and laughter in everyone around him.”
Visitation and celebration of life details are available here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lloyd’s name to St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, “whose care and compassion Lloyd supported and benefited from.”