Calling the news of Mike Anthony's passing as "shocking" Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli described the veteran councillor today as kind and jovial and someone that kept a sharp eye on the spending of taxpayer's dollars.
"Patti and I were deeply saddened when we heard the news of Mike's sudden passing," Fedeli told BayToday. "I enjoyed his counsel as an MPP and as Minister. We would have our conversations about North Bay and the north and where the provincial government should play a role, and he was always very helpful, never had an unkind word, just a very big, jovial, happy guy."
See: Popular councillor Mike Anthony passes
Fedeli says the two had nicknames for each other.
"I called him Big Dog. He had a big smile all the time and always a great jab. He was always fun to be with. On council, he always made time for enjoyment in between all the serious work that had to be done.
Anthony and Fedeli worked together for two terms on council from 2003-2010.
"With a capital F, he was a fiscal conservative, looking out for the taxpayer constantly. You could always rely on his voice asking 'What about the dollars?'" remembers Fedeli.
A friend and former colleague Derek Shogren says he is also "shocked" by the news of Anthony's death, adding it is "hard to comprehend how such a kind man — who never got angry no matter the circumstances — is gone so soon."
Shogren says he will miss the late-night phone calls the two shared to discuss politics and the state of the city.
"I worked with Mike on council as well as the Chamber of Commerce when I was president — as well as a dozen different boards. Mike was always about fighting for the little guy. He knew the rules and procedures better than anyone and used them at the most opportune times."
Shogren adds, half-jokingly, "Rest in peace, my friend, I am sure you are in heaven right now asking if there is a more efficient way to run things. God bless his soul mate, Tanya."
Peter Chirico sat on city council with Anthony.
"It is one of those things that you do not expect," said Chirico.
"I have lots of memories with Mike, we were both elected back in 2001 so we have got a lot of history together. It is sad to see at 52 that unfortunately he has passed away and our sincerest condolences to both his family here in North Bay and out on the east coast.
"It is just a sad day, we are going to miss Mike. He always had a smile and was quick with the wit and able to speak eloquently about anything at any time which will be missed and I know to his family and friends they are going to miss him and North Bay is going to miss him."
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming was also saddened by the passing.
“Mike and I go back a long time to his days in radio and mine on council," Rota said by email. "We used to always joke about how people would get us confused because of what they’d read or heard about ‘Anthony’ saying this or that. He was a thoughtful and kind person who served with integrity, commitment, and heart. His loss will be felt on council and in our community. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
With files from Stu Campaigne.and Chris Dawson.
