Windsor Public Library is currently grieving the loss, and celebrating the life, of Howard Pawley. The former Manitoba premier and Windsor resident was an instrumental member of the Windsor Public Library Board. His knowledge, passion, and presence will be dearly missed. He was a major factor in helping this system win the inaugural Public Library Board of the Year Award.

Howard Pawley, PC OC OM,  devoted himself to a life of distinguished public service and served as the 18th Premier of  Manitoba from 1981 to 1988. He served as an MLA for Selkirk from 1969 to 1988 and held several cabinet positions in the NDP administration of Ed Schreyer before becoming Leader of the Official Opposition from 1979 to 1981. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, and since 1990 taught law and politics at the University of Windsor. His book Keep True: A Life in Politics is an enlightening look at the life of this truly impressive man. A member of the Windsor Public Library Board since May, 2012, he has gone above and beyond in serving our community. Howard believed the role of a public library is tremendously important, as they help build the community and act as community centres -particularly for those disadvantaged members of society.

His presence will be missed, but his positive impact on WPL will be felt for years to come.