Long-term school board trustee, Minden Hills and County councillor, Cheryl Murdoch, died Oct. 10.
The municipality announced the news last week, saying, “we are grateful for her service and commitment to the Township of Minden Hills, the County of Haliburton, and years of service as a school board trustee. Our thoughts are with family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her.”
Flags at municipal facilities were lowered to half-mast in honour of Murdoch, who served on council from 2004-18, “and dedicated her time and energy to the betterment of our community, including creation of the Riverwalk and cultural centre and library expansion. Cheryl’s volunteer contribution assisted many service clubs and organizations over the years,” the township added. She was 81.
Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said, “Cheryl was a great leader and wonderful friend. We had many laughs and crazy times during our 12 years together on council. Cheryl prepared me to take over her position as deputy mayor by sharing her wisdom. Those were some really big shoes to fill and even after she retired, I went to her many times for advice. During a rather contentious election season, Cheryl told me, ‘no matter what happens, the sun will still come up tomorrow’. I will never forget that.”
County warden Dave Burton said the news was met “with great sadness … on behalf of County council and staff, I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends, and all who knew her.”
Murdoch served as a County councillor from early 2000 to her retirement from public office in 2018. Burton said that during her time at the County table, she was active on numerous boards and committees including chair of the Haliburton County Public Library board. Prior to joining Minden Hills council, she was a teacher and served as a trustee on the school board for 19 years.
“Cheryl was also an active member of her community, supporting the Minden Curling Club and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 636, as well as numerous other local initiatives. She was very proud of her family, and very proud to call Minden her home,” Burton said. The County also lowered its flags to half-mast last week. In an interview with The Highlander in November 2018 Murdoch reflected on her 37 years in public life.
Joining her first council, Murdoch was the only woman serving with six men. She recalled going to her first meeting and saying, “gentlemen, I bring something to this table that none of you can bring … a whole lot less testosterone … and they all laughed like hell.” She said she didn’t have a problem. “You have to gain anybody’s respect. Once you did that, they had your back.”
She said she brought her school board philosophy to the council table. “If it’s not good for the people, why are we talking about it? Whatever you’re doing in political life, you’re there for the people. If you’re not there for the people, you shouldn’t be in it.”
Asked about the highlights of her time on Minden Hills council, she said the commercial development along Hwy. 35; the new library, Nature’s Place, the art gallery, the EMS building, the Riverwalk and the fire hall.
With her last meeting on Nov. 22, 2018, Murdoch said her parting words of wisdom for council were, “the art of being a very good listener is a truly underrated talent, however, sometimes in order to achieve this talent, you have to quit talking.”
