Tributes pour in for former Ontario lieutenant-governor David Onley

Tributes poured in on Saturday and Sunday for David Onley, who served as lieutenant-governor of Ontario and worked as a broadcaster. On Saturday evening,

lieutenant-governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, the current holder of Ontario’s viceregal office and Onley’s successor in the role, announced he had died. "While in office, his

commitment to accessibility fostered an acute awareness that access to opportunity for all is a powerful force for transforming individual lives, and society as a whole,"

Dowdeswell said in a statement. She referred to Onley as a "valued friend and colleague." Politicians, journalists, public institutions and advocates were among

those to share their memories of Onley and the impact he had in Ontario. Premier Doug Ford said Onley "served this province with honour and distinction" during his time as

lieutenant-governor from 2007 to 2014. "His contributions to the province and his unwavering commitment to public service will long be remembered and celebrated," Ford said

in a statement. Kathleen Wynne, Ford's predecessor, said Onley was "a gentle, intelligent, compassionate man." Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared a tweet saying

the former lieutenant-governor was "a man with endless compassion" who worked to make the world a better place. Toronto mayor John Tory said he was sad to hear the news,

recalling Onley's legacy of "championing disability issues and fighting for accessibility for everyone." Flags at Toronto City Hall and Queen's Park, among other places,

are being flown at half-mast to honour Onley's memory.