David C. Onley, Ontario’s 28th lieutenant governor, has died. According to the lieutenant governor’s office, he died at the age of 72.
A statement from Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell read: “Serving from 2007 to 2014, Onley was the first person with a physical disability to hold the post.
“Whenever Mr Onley entered a room, those present saw beyond physical limitations. They saw a person they liked and admired.
“There is no doubt that his legacy has positively impacted the lives of people across Ontario.
She said Onley had disabilities which stemmed from a childhood battle with polio, so he used a motorized scooter. Before assuming office, he worked as television journalist and focused on science and technology reporting.
According to Dowdeswell, Onley later served as chair of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council and was worked as a member of the accessibility councils for the Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre.
She described Onley as an “active advocate” for greater access to employment for people with disabilities.
Dowdeswell said Onley channelled his passion for access to opportunities into advancing literacy and education programs for Indigenous people in Ontario while “emphasizing the importance of reconciliation” during his term.
Dowdeswell said he later worked as a special adviser on accessibility within the Ontario government and as a senior lecturer at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann, and children Jonathan, Robert, and Michael.
May his soul rest in peace.
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