Mayor, councillors honour late colleague Schreyer with stories, songs at start of regular monthly meeting

City councillors sang songs, shared stories and wiped away tears while honouring a colleague who died suddenly this week.

A City of Winnipeg flag, a rose in a vase and a photo of Jason Schreyer were placed at the late politician’s desk in council chambers Friday before a monthly council meeting.

A prayer in the Elmwood-East Kildonan councillor’s honour was followed by a motion of condolence and numerous speeches.

Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan) recalled meeting Schreyer at the 1999 Pan Am Games, noting the two remained friends ever since. Schreyer once dressed as Santa Claus for a gathering with Sharma’s family and took centre stage at her wedding reception, she said.

“Jason loved to dance, we all know that…. My wedding reception was no different for him… he took over the dance floor, he was the centre of attention. No one was looking at the bride. All eyes on Jason. It was the time of my life,” said Sharma, who paused her tribute at times to wipe away tears.

She described Schreyer as someone who cared deeply about others and tried to speak up for those who struggled to have their voices heard.

Coun. Ross Eadie said Schreyer helped him cope with the stress of elections, offering daily support.

“If he (saw) somebody struggling, he’d be there,” said Eadie (Mynarski), who has described Schreyer as his best friend.

He ended his comments by singing part of Could You be Loved by Bob Marley, calling it one of Schreyer’s karaoke “go to” songs.

Eadie said the two regularly sang together to relieve stress.

Several councillors highlighted Schreyer’s love of family and dedication to the residents he served.

“We thank you for his life, for his profound commitment to public service and for the energy, passion and principle he brought to the city,” said Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) during the meeting’s opening prayer.

“He cared fiercely about people, about principle and about our shared future. He never shied away from standing up for what he believed was right and he did so with integrity, conviction and care.”

Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas), who sat next to Schreyer in the chamber, said the seat mates would often joke about the length of council meetings. She said the two also bonded over karaoke before ending her comments by singing Amazing Grace.

Coun. Russ Wyatt remembered Schreyer, his friend of 35 years, as a humble man who loved to perform.

Wyatt (Transcona) noted Schreyer spoke and sang in multiple languages, once providing the council prayer in Swahili.

“He was a good man…. He (pushed) officials in power to do better,” he said.

Following the tributes, Mayor Scott Gillingham said he believed Schreyer, who often made lengthy speeches about construction inflation during meetings, would have appreciated the break in the meeting’s format.

“I couldn’t help but think that so far, this has been the most Jason Schreyer-esque council meeting ever, no speaking time limits and everybody singing…. He would love this day,” said Gillingham.

The mayor said no matter how passionate the debate, Schreyer remained kind.

Near the end of Friday’s meeting, the mayor shared a social media post that credited Schreyer with using his own lawn mower to cut a narrow strip of grass at a park, after he received a complaint that a crew had missed it.

The monthly city council meeting required under the city’s charter was adjourned shortly after it started Wednesday morning and rescheduled to Friday because of Schreyer’s death Tuesday.

Council members were told Tuesday night.

Schreyer, 57, was elected in 2014 and re-elected twice.

Ed Schreyer, the late councillor’s father, a former premier and governor general, told the Free Press Wednesday the family did not yet know the cause of his son’s death.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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