Former Wabana mayor Gary Gosine dies at 67
Bell Island has lost a longtime municipal politician who many now hail as a legend.
Gary Gosine served on the Wabana town council for 35 years — 29 of them as the mayor — before retiring in 2024.
He died Saturday at the age of 67.
Philip Tobin, the current Wabana mayor and Gosine's nephew, says Gosine was a role model.
"I grew up looking up to him, he was a mentor to me," he said Sunday.
Tobin said the former mayor achieved many things for his community, but made a large impact by fighting for improved ferry services connecting Bell Island to Portugal Cove- St. Philip's.
Gosine also advocated for better roads and water infrastructure.
"He pushed in many ways and held the officials accountable for their actions," said Tobin.
…
Gosine was awarded Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
Tobin said he's learned many things from his predecessor on a political level, like keeping the community's best interests in mind when making big decisions.
He said he also has many personal memories.
"He was always here to support the youth … he loved hockey," said Tobin. "We've gotten to share some great times and then some great victories over the years."
WATCH | Politicians remember a longtimer leader and lover of Bell Island:
'He was a fighter': Municipal, provincial leaders remember former Wabana mayor Gary Gosine, dead at 67
4 hours ago
Duration 3:54
The long-time council member passed away Saturday after a long illness. Those who crossed paths with him say he was someone who spoke his mind but always stayed respectful — and who passionately worked for his home of Bell Island.
The dedication Gosine held for the people of his town led to some headbutting with a number of Newfoundland and Labrador's politicians, including former Conception Bay East-Bell Island MHA David Brazil.
"We've clashed … a number of times, but as good friends we always moved on," Brazil said in an interview with CBC.
Brazil says his connection with Gosine goes back 50 years.
The former mayor's 2013 re-election campaign was run in the hospital after undergoing open heart surgery and experiencing a stroke. Brazil sat by Gosine's side at the Miller Centre as he was sworn in.
People can learn a thing or two from the Bell Island legend, according to Brazil. He said he admires how he always spoke his mind while respecting others when it came to standing up for his community.
"He was multifaceted, he understood the needs of everybody," said Brazil.
Fred Hutton, recently elected as the MHA for the area, has similar things to say.
The minister for tourism, culture, arts and recreation and former journalist says Gosine always kept a calm demeanour.
Hutton said in recent years when Gosine wasn't getting around as often, he'd visit him at home in Wabana.
"Oftentimes family members would be there dropping and dropping out," said Hutton. "You could always tell the immense measure of pride that they had for their dad or their grandfather or in Debbie's case, her husband, but also the love that he had for them."
He said Bell Island is synonymous with Gosine, a man who led by example.
"If you look at the things that people enjoy on Bell Island today, his fingerprints are all over them," Hutton said.
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