A well-known municipal politician in Stephenville has passed away.

Newly-elected mayor Bob Byrnes shared news of the passing of former mayor and town councillor Tom O’Brien yesterday.

Byrnes describes O’Brien as a dedicated public servant, respected business leader and “cherished community member.”

O’Brien passed away on his birthday yesterday. In recent years he spoke out against the decline of the Stephenville airport, warning that the crisis the airport was facing was having a direct impact on the town and residents.

O’Brien served three terms as mayor of Stephenville, and three terms as a town councillor, and ran in the most recent municipal election.

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