A couple of prominent Windsorites are remembering Howard McCurdy.
Windsor-West MP Brian Masse and former Prime Minister Paul Martin both say they were sad to hear the news.
Masse says McCurdy was a special man and was well respected.
The former member of Paliament, University of Windsor professor and local civil right activist passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85.
Masse says McCurdy was well understood and approachable.
"Howard was someone who brought social justice issues not only to the for front in Windsor and Essex County but also this country and was known and respected for that," says Masse. "I think that's why of the reasons that he was a recipient of that acknowledgement through awards."
Former Prime Minister and Windsorite, Paul Martin says he was first told about Howard McCurdy from his father.
"He said there are great Canadians who are making their mark and one of them is Howard McCurdy and you should meet him. And it just so happened that my father was going to an event that night and I remmeber my dad introducing me to him," says Martin.
Among his accomplishments, McCurdy founded the Guardian Club, a civil rights organization to fight racial discrimination in Windsor. He was a founder and the first President of the National Black Coalition of Canada and was also made a member of the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada.
— with files from Patty Handysides and Kristylee Varley