Whitcombe, 64, dies after contracting flesh-eating disease
On Sunday, Nov. 16, the community of The Township of Puslinch was dealt a tragic loss by the sudden passing of former mayor and Wellington County Warden Brad Whitcombe. Whitcombe, 64, died of necrotizing fasciitis – more commonly known as flesh-eating disease – a rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues that affects about only 500 people worldwide per year. According to Whitecombe’s brother Kevin, the former mayor’s health began to take a turn for the worse on the evening of Friday, Nov. 14, when he complained of flu-like symptoms and a pounding headache that sent him to bed.
Spouse Lise Burcher, a Guelph city councillor, said that he was rushed to hospital Saturday evening, when the pain and discomfort intensified. Reports from medical personnel were initially positive.
“They thought the prognosis was very good. Then, the infection spread quite quickly,” Burcher said. By Sunday afternoon, Whitecombe had succumbed to the disease, leaving behind an enormous and well-earned legacy of hard-work and class in both his political and personal life.
According to Burcher, the outpouring from the community in the wake of Whitecombe’s passing has been both heart-warming and life affirming, making it clear that he was much loved by the people for his political and community leadership.
“He did have that affable, amicable, generous way about him,” Burcher said. “He was intense, but engaging; driven but co-operative. And always self-effacing, not seeking the limelight for the fame.”
Whitcombe, who was first elected to Puslinch township council in 1989, served honorably as mayor of Puslinch from 1995 until 2010, when current Mayor Dennis Lever defeated him. Whitcombe also served as county warden in 2000, 2005, and 2006. Whitcombe tried to make a comeback by running for mayor again this year, but he was again defeated by Lever. According to Burcher, he was also planning on running in 2018.
“It’s a tragic loss,” said Lever in an interview, when asked about Whitcombe’s passing. “Brad worked hard. He was committed to the community. He had the community’s best interests at heart.”
Forever dedicated to the community, Whitcombe’s leadership in council, and his work on and with the library board, Friends of Mill Creek, Grand River Conservation Authority, Optimist Recreation center, and countless other endeavors, are evidence to the undeniable drive and effect that he had on the Township of Puslinch.
“A century from now, people will look back and still see his work; you can’t say that about a lot of people,” says current warden Chris White.
“I think he liked to deal with people, to help them,” said Kevin Whitcombe, who ran his driving range, and lawn and garden equipment servicing business side-by-side with the former Warden for over 30 years.
The family did not plan a public visitation or funeral service, but made arrangements for prompt cremation, as well as a wake for family and friends within the next couple of weeks.