FORT SIMPSON
Fort Simpson village councillor Ron McCagg  died after a motorcycle accident Friday, May 15, according to friends and family.

Ron McCagg is pictured here in a headshot from 2012. He passed away following a motorcycle accident on Friday at the age of 71. He had served on village council for more than 20 years at the time of his passing.

A stalwart for respectful dialogue, McCann made his mark on council as mayor and later as councillor and had announced his intention to run for MLA in the upcoming territorial election. At the time of his passing, he had served on village council for more than 20 years.

"Ron seemed to be a guy who was getting better with age ‹ like a fine wine, a work in progress, he was just getting better," said Mayor Sean Whelly, who recalls many of McCagg's recent successes.

Most notably, McCagg was heavily involved in getting the village pool built three years ago as well as getting the new library constructed.

"He was a gentleman. He did not like bullies; he liked to stand up for the little guy," Whelly said.

"I really saw a social conscience side to Ron, wanting to better the condition of people's lives here in Fort Simpson."

Details of a funeral or memorial service are forthcoming.