Hamilton’s longest serving mayor, Bob Morrow died today at the age of 71.

He was first elected to council in 1970 and then served as mayor from 1980 to 2000.

Councillor Terry Whitehead worked for Morrow for years, and then served along side him on council.

“No one could attend as many functions in a day or evening than Bob Morrow. He was everywhere. He was truly the people’s mayor. If you wanted access to Bob and he was there, he was going to give you that access to talk. He never had a closed door policy.”

Morrow was a citizenship judge for several years, and stepped in as Ward 3 councillor after Bernie Morelli died in 2014

As the news of his death reached City Hall today the flag outside was lowered and Mayor Fred Eisenberger praised him for diversifying Hamilton’s economy.

“He was a great leader in our community. He presided over a time when the economy in Hamilton was very challenged businesses and industries closing down and shrinking.”

Morrow also revitalized Hamilton’s waterfront and an advocate for the average working men and women.

He is survived by two sons.