The Town of Stonewall is recognizing one of its former leaders.

A special tribute was held this week to honour the work of former Mayor Dave Lethbridge, who served six years as a councillor, before becoming mayor in 1986, a position he held until 2002. Along with the tribute, Stonewall Council named a park after Lethbridge, unveiling a large sign bearing his name. Mayor Lockie McLean says as a head of council, Lethbridge was involved in the creation of the town's hospital, library, arena, and curling club, as well as the development of Quarry Park, all without raising taxes during his terms.

"He was a mentor. When I was first elected it was 1986, and that was the first year Dave became Mayor. I served parts of the 80s, parts of the 90s, and into the early 2000s with him. He was a mentor. When I look back to it, a lot of the things I do may be things he taught me to do."

McLean says it was exciting to give Lethbridge the recognition he deserved, adding it's important to ensure the town continues to recognize its roots, and those who've helped bring the community to where it is today.

"I think Stonewall has always been good when it comes to remembering those folks. I think in David's case, he was so humble and so modest that he'd be the last one to think something like this would be coming in honour of his name. He's off the charts in terms of a person that should have been recognized, and maybe recognized some time ago."

Meanwhile, Lethbridge was able to attend the tribute, joined by some family form out of town, and well as the councillors he'd served with. The ceremony came as a bit of a surprise, as he found out only a few days before the event. He says it was an honour to have a park named after him, but shows his modest demeanour in noting what happened during his terms was the result of a team effort.

"Mayors don't make decisions, councillors do. I was very lucky to be on councils that were progressive and looked for growth and prosperity in the community."

McLean says it was truly a proud moment for the town to be able to dedicate the park to Lethbridge, giving his vital role in the town's ongoing expansion and growth.