top of page

The Death Of A Mayor

  • Writer: Craig Baird
    Craig Baird
  • Feb 14, 2023
  • 2 min read

It was a sad day for Vermilion on Oct. 7, 1969 when Mayor S. Carl Heckbert passed away suddenly.

Originally born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Heckberk enlisted with the army in the First World War and served for three years before coming home and gaining an education in teaching. He spent some time teaching industrial arts in Illinois and Wisconsin but came to Vermilion in 1925 to join the teaching staff of the provincial agricultural college.

He continued on that path for eight years, before he moved into real estate and insurance, operating a business with his son for the next four decades.

At the time of his death, he had been mayor of Vermilion for eight years, after four years on council. He had only just announced that he was not going to be running for re-election. At the time, he was a very popular mayor. He was also a member of the Canadian Legion and the Masonic Lodge.

Throughout his time in Vermilion, Heckbert was a major contributor to community affairs and had served as the Alberta president of the Canadian Legion from 1941 to 1949. He was also a past grand master of the Masonic Ledge for Alberta.

On top of all of that, he also served as the former president of the Western Canada Fairs Association.

In 1968, he also sought the nomination for the Progressive Conservative Party in the constituency for the federal election. He lost the nomination to Don Mazankowski, who won and would serve in that riding until 1993.

If it was a community organization, Heckbert did it all.

Upon his death, he was survived by his wife, one son named Charles, a grandson named Douglas and a granddaughter named Jane.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx.com

Support Craig by donating at www.canadaehx.com (Click Donate)

Listen to his podcasts Canadian History Ehx, Canada’s Great War, From John to Justin, Pucks and Cups and Canada: A Yearly Journey on all podcast platforms.

Recent Posts

See All
Country Roads

We’ve always lived in the country and travelled on gravel roads. When I think of springtime, I also think of muddy roads. I remember my...

 
 
 
Vanilla Chiffon Cake

The simplicity and elegance of this cake lends itself to being complimented with a variety of spring blossoms, berries and sweetened...

 
 
 

Kommentare


Vermilion Voice Logo

Your only local independent blog.
Proudly serving Vermilion and area since 2004.

5006-50 Ave., Vermilion, AB T9X 1A2
Phone: 780-853-6305
Fax: 780-853-5426
Email: vermilionvoice@gmail.com

Follow Us

  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.  

Canada logo.jpg

Home     News     Columns     Community     About Us     Contact Us

© Copyright 2017 Vermilion Voice

bottom of page