Announced on The Windsor Tavern’s public Facebook page on Thursday, June 20, Lynn St Denis, the long-time owner of the pub and local politician, died Wednesday, June 19. He was 84 years old.
Lynn St Denis was the third generation of his family to own the storied tavern on Vankleek Hill’s Main Street, and passed on the business to his two sons, the fourth generation of St Denis’s to run the local haunt.
St Denis served as a Vankleek Hill town councillor from 1968 to 1976 and as Reeve from 1976 to 1997, dedicating 27 years to serving his community in the public service. He also served as warden of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell in 1985.
He is survived by his siblings, Patricia and Joe, and his sons Michael and Robert and their kids Olivia, Liam and Hannah. He was married to Mireille Lalande for nearly 59 years.
“A father figure to all. Thank you for paving the way. You were so loved, respected, and will be forever in our hearts,” read a message on the tavern’s Facebook page from St Denis’s sons.
A reception for St Denis was held at the Hillcrest Funeral home on Sunday. A ceremony and burial at Paroisse Church of Saint-Grégoire was held on Monday, June 24, followed by a reception at the family’s tavern.
The family ask that donations in Lynn St Denis’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
