The founder of the Citizens Environment Alliance has passed away.
78-year-old Ric Coronado died late Tuesday afternoon.
In 1985, Coronado along with other concerned citizens started the alliance after spills from Sarnia's Chemical Valley into the St. Clair River and how it impacted the region's drinking water.
"Windsorites step forward, Windsorites are givers, not takers so that was Rick in a nutshell, he was always there for others," says friend and colleague Frank Butler.
Butler met Coronado more than 30-years ago.
The two sat on many committees together including the Windsor Essex County Environment Committee.
"It's a big loss even though he had failing health, he's always given us input and he's been a great sounding board in the past and given his accomplishments go back to the 80's," says Butler. "He helped found the CAW Labour Environment structures that have existed now for quite a long time."
Butler adds Coronado was very tenacious and was always there for others.
"Very encouraging to people that were making an effort," says Butler. "He was certainly was trying to see the movement grow and was a good negotiator and did his homework. He was always knowledgeable whenever he spoke. He knew exactly what he needing to say and did it consistently."
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.