Remembering former Lt.-Gov. David Onley

The funeral for former lieutenant governor and TV journalist David Onley was held on Monday.

READ MORE: David Onley, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, dead at 72

Onley was the first person with a physical disability to serve in the role. He is being remembered for his advocacy for the disabled and the impact he made in the lives of so many.

All morning there was a slow trickle of friends and acquaintances arriving and sharing a memory of David as they passed.

He left a mark on many from his years as a reporter with City TV in Toronto,
and as Ontario’s 28th lieutenant governor.

WATCH: State funeral for former Lt.-Gov. David Onley set for 11 a.m.

TVO journalist Steve Paikin met him when the two were beginning their broadcast careers, “he was a great champion for people with disabilities, and I wanted to come and pay my respects to him today because he deserved it.”

A chorus of dignitaries also sang his praises as they entered the church including Premier Doug Ford, “he always fought for people with disabilities and that was one of his legacies, and we’re just here to honour a great person, a great man.”

His successor Elizabeth Dowdeswell says David loved being lieutenant governor, “and he did his very best to make sure that he used the platform, particularly for those who suffer from various disabilities.”

Police and military escorted Onley’s coffin to the Yorkminster Park Baptist Church for the service. His three sons walked behind the hearse, and his wife Ruth Ann followed with other family members. Onley’s son’s paid tribute to their dad at the service.

Onley’s work to improve the lives of people with disabilities continued after his term as lieutenant governor ended in 2014. Just a few years ago he led the province’s review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act making strong recommendations for a more accessible Ontario.