The Town of Ajax announced the passing of one of its founding, visionary leaders this week.

Mayor Bill Parish (1924-2018) was a member of the first Ajax Council and served six one-year terms as Mayor from 1958 to 1963. As one of the original protectors of the Ajax waterfront, he was truly an integral part of the Town’s development and growth since incorporation.

During his tenure as Mayor, he enacted the Town’s first Official Plan which designated the waterfront as publicly owned park space for the enjoyment of the entire community.  He established its first publicly owned water filtration plant and laid the foundation of the Town of Ajax.

Mayor Parish remained active in political and community life until his passing. He was the Town’s unofficial historian, a fierce advocate for the environment, and an avid supporter of the Ajax Pickering Hospital.

Bill is the father of current Mayor Steve Parish, who has carried forward his father’s vision for an accessible, sustainable multi-use waterfront. Steve Parish announced in April that he won’t seek re-election in the fall municipal election.

William A. Parish died peacefully in the garden of his beloved home since 1965 at the age of 94.

William A. Parish (January 24, 1924 – June 21, 2018) . Credit: City of Ajax.

 

 

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