David Onley, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, dies at age 72

David Onley, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has passed away at the age 72.

“It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of the Honourable David C. Onley,” Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell said in a statement Saturday night.

“Mr. Onley served our province with distinction as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He was a valued friend and colleague, and I was always grateful to receive his counsel, particularly in the summer of 2014 following my appointment as Lieutenant Governor.”

Spending more than two decades at Citytv, Onley joined first as a weather specialist in 1984 before becoming the first morning anchor of Breakfast Television in 1989.

He later became Citytv’s education specialist and then science and technology specialist.

A survivor of childhood polio, he was also the first newscaster in Canada with a visible disability.

He was named to the Order of Canada in 2017.

Onley leaves behind his wife Ruth Ann and three children, Jonathan, Robert, and Michael.

Premier Doug Ford said he was “deeply saddened” to hear about the passing of Onley in a statement.

“His contributions to the province and his unwavering commitment to public service will long be remembered and celebrated,” continued the statement.

“Inexpressibly sad to hear that our world has lost David Onley. A gentle, intelligent, compassionate man. Much love to his family and friends,” said former Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne via Twitter.

Serving as the chair of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council, Onley was also a member of the accessibility councils for the Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre before becoming Lieutenant Governor.

As Ontario’s first Lieutenant Governor with a physical disability, he adopted accessibility as the overarching theme of his mandate.

So sad to hear former Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley has passed away. On behalf of all Toronto residents, I extend condolences to David’s family, friends, and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/tfHcBeucgF

— John Tory (@JohnTory) January 15, 2023

Onley also prioritized expanded existing literacy and education programs for Indigenous peoples in Ontario, putting emphasis on the importance of reconciliation and the value of bringing people together in dialogue.

“Mr. Onley believed so deeply in the goodwill and firm practicality of Ontarians that he saw no reason why we could not lead the world in transforming society so that everyone is able to contribute something of value. And there is no doubt that his legacy has positively impacted the lives of people across Ontario,” said Dowdeswell.