Long-time New Democrat Dan Gelinas dies at 76

A long-time New Democrat, both on the ballot as well as the campaign backroom, is being remembered for his kindness and passion for helping those in need.

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Dan Gelinas died last week at Erie Shores Health Care, according to an obituary. He was 76.

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A retired auto worker, he ran for the New Democrats provincially and federally in several elections, but was involved in campaigns for various others.

Tony Walsh, a candidate for the party in the 2015 federal election, called Gelinas an inspiration, adding they became good friends.

“He took over as my campaign manager halfway through that long campaign. He was so passionate about helping others and helping our community and riding,” Walsh told The Daily News on Tuesday.

“He brought a positive energy to every part of the campaign. He was always smiling, always reassuring, and always supportive.”

The last election in which Gelinas ran was the 2021 federal campaign for the riding of Chatham-Kent—Leamington. He finished in third place, with Conservative MP Dave Epp comfortably holding onto the seat.

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However, Walsh said the New Democrat campaign was proud to have Gelinas carrying the orange banner.

“Though the riding would stay Conservative, I feel we, the NDP, and the CKL riding constituents, were lucky to have Dan there representing us,” he said. “I join the long list of people who missed him early.”

Derry McKeever, a local activist who has been involved in the party for decades, said he knew Gelinas for more than 25 years.

He recalled one campaign when they ran into a bit of a challenge while canvassing the neighborhood together.

“It was really difficult to keep Dan moving, because he knew everyone on the street,” he said. “They were either related, or worked with him in the factory. …I was way ahead of him and I kept looking back and yelling, ‘Dan, come on. We’ve gotta get going.’ He loved to do it.”

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McKeever said if Gelinas had been elected to office, he would’ve been just as dedicated to constituents as he was with everyone he met.

“(He was) a person who was well-known in his community, and had a firm grip on agricultural issues, living in Wheatley,” he said. “A person who would assist in any way he could. He’d open the doors to his house if you needed a place to stay. That’s the kind of guy he was.”

In a social media post, Epp offered his condolences and praised Gelinas for his work in the community.

“Dan was a community leader and advocate for the disadvantaged who was respected across Canada and by members of all parties,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Beth, and the rest of his family and friends.”

The obituary stated Gelinas “loved his family, sports and a good political conversation.”

In online tributes, friends remembered his joy for life and fun-loving nature.

A celebration of life already has taken place, with people encouraged to wear their favorite sporting apparel in honor of Gelinas’ love of sports.

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