The news of Brighton Coun. Byron Faretis’ passing after a short but courageous battle with cancer has reverberated throughout the community.
“Council members and municipal staff were saddened to learn of the passing of Coun. Byron Faretis late Tuesday night following a short but courageous battle with cancer,” said the Municipality of Brighton, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. “Byron was a dedicated councillor who immersed himself in all aspects of the Brighton community.
“He will be remembered for his attention to detail when undertaking new initiatives and his enthusiastic engagement in all the committees he served on.”
Following the news of his passing, Mayor Brian Ostrander called it an incredibly sad day for Brighton.
He said Faretis was a valued member of the council team and was thoughtful and thorough in his approach to decision-making, leaving no stone unturned to ensure Brightontians received nothing but the best.
“He’s going to be missed. He’s going to be missed on council, and my heart goes out to (his wife) Elaine and his family,” Ostrander told BrightonToday.ca.
Coun. Jeff Wheeldon echoed this sentiment.
Wheeldon also shared how he came to depend on Faretis in council chambers for his expertise and when complex issues made their way to the council table.
He recalled how Faretis often spent considerable time on research, with incredible attention to detail.
Wheeldon said Faretis’ voice on council was unique – and it just isn’t going to be the same without him.
On Wednesday, all flags at municipal buildings were lowered in his memory and in recognition of his service.
As of Thursday, Nov. 21, the municipality had set up of a book of condolences at the Municipal Centre (35 Alice St.)
The book of condolences will be available for people to write in until next Friday, Nov. 29. Details on a service are to be shared at a future date.
Coun. Bobbi Wright described deep sadness online after the news of Faretis’ passing.
“I will always remember Byron for his eagerness, energy and passion for the citizens of Brighton,” wrote Wright. “If I needed a piece of information for an issue on council, I could count on Byron to not only share the information needed, but every possible piece of information surrounding it.
“He had a ready smile, a love for automobiles, Tim Hortons’ coffee and eclairs, and could be counted on to dress in way too many layers and still be cold,” continued Wright, while saying it was a privilege to serve with Faretis and echoing how he will be missed around the horseshoe.
According to his council bio, before moving to Brighton, Faretis spent 25 years in the food and beverage industry, and then started his own graphics business that he ran for 18 years.
When announcing his passing on social media, Ostrander described Faretis as “a man of integrity.”
“His dedication to residents was truly unmatched.”
There’s been no word yet on how council may fill Faretis’ seat around the horseshoe.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
