ABC The West Coast Mayor Darryl Gerrity has died. The West Coast Mayor Darryl Gerrity has died aged 70.
It is understood he died in hospital overnight.
He was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago.
Councillor Gerrity was born in Queenstown in 1943 and joined the council in 1999.
The Premier Lara Giddings paid tribute to the West Coast Mayor.
“Darryl was an amazingly passionate West Coaster and a fierce advocate for municipality and the people who live and work there,” she said.
“His shoot-from-the-hip style of politics was always framed by a remarkable wit and colourful sense of humour,” Ms Giddings added.
“These traits made him a truly likeable person and a genuine character.”
The Deputy Mayor Peter Reid says Cr Gerrity will be remembered for his quick wit.
“He was quick on his feet and passionate about the West Coast,” he reflected.
Cr Gerrity championed many causes including the West Coast Railway and opposed fly-in fly-out mine workers.
“He had quite the personality, a very big one,” Cr Reid said.
“He didn’t feel we were getting a good enough deal from the Federal Government and he led a move to put us back into Braddon.,” Cr Reid said.
“It was good because it got a few things because it was a more marginal seat than Lyon was, he was just passionate and tried to do his best for the West Coast.”
Cr Gerrity is survived by his wife Robin and three children.
