Winnipeg city Coun. Bill Clement dies

One of Winnipeg's longest-serving councillors has died.

Bill Clement represented CharleswoodTuxedo for 27 years but wasbattling cancer for several years. He died Monday at age 61.

"It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that I am to inform all Winnipeggers of the passing of Coun. Bill Clement," Mayor Sam Katz said in a statement released late Monday.

"We will miss Bill's passion, dedication, and knowledge, who as a councillor always represented the citizens of CharleswoodTuxedo and Winnipeg with integrity and wisdom.

"On behalf of my colleagues on council, we pray for his family during this difficult time."

'I will remember him as a phenomenal human being and a very wise individual and someone who cared more than I think people knew.' Mayor Sam Katz

Clement, who leaves behinda wife and four grown children, represented hiswardfor so long he earned the nickname Mayor of Charleswood.

Despite fighting a bout of pnuemonia, Clement was at City Hall on Monday,staying the day to return phone calls to constituents, said Katz.

"I will remember him as a phenomenal human being and a very wise individual and someone who cared more than I think people knew," Katz said.

"Bill was an individual who basically would tell you exactly the way things were. He didn't sugar coat things,and he loved CharleswoodTuxedo."

During the last civic election campaign in 2006, Clement told CBC News, "I think I've done the job to the best of my ability.I love interacting with people."

Flags lowered

Flags will be lowered at Winnipeg City Hall in honour of Clement and abook of condolenceshas beenset up for the public to sign.

It is located in the council chamber staircase at City Hall, 510 Main Street. Doors to the council building are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The book will be available until city council's meeting onMay 19.

For those who are unable to visit City Hall, messages can be left on an electronic book of condolencesposted onthe city's website.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.