(Photo: themayorsgala.ca)

The city’s undisputed ‘king of volunteers’ Ron Lenyk has passed away at age 68.

“He was kind and compassionate. A humanitarian and champion for the underdog,” United Way of Peel president and CEO Shelley White said.

Lenyk died Monday night surrounded by family and is survived by his wife, two kids, and grandchild.

Lenyk was the CEO of the Living Arts Centre and publisher of the Mississauga News from 1976 to 2009. He was also the first chairman of the Mayor’s Gala and is known for his work with the Mississauga Community Foundation, Carassauga, Opera Mississauga, the Mississauga Sports Celebrities Dinner and the Mississauga Millennium Committee, to name a handful. In addition, he was a founding board member of Credit Valley Hospital.

“He was generous in his time and in his love of all things Mississauga. We offer our condolences to his family. He will be missed,” said city manager and CAO Janice Baker.

Thousands were touched through his work.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie said there are few who can equal Lenyk’s commitment to this city.

Flags at all city facilities have been lowered until after the funeral.

@qewsouthpost