Photo Credit: Shane Clausing

By Shane Clausing

Robert W. Zahara

Former Sexsmith Mayor Robert W. Zahara passes away

Jun 16, 2020 | 5:30 AM

The Town of Sexsmith announced on Monday, June 15, that former Mayor and Town Councilor Robert W. Zahara has passed away.

Zahara spent 14 years serving both as a Councilor and as Mayor for the Town of Sexsmith.

He served as a Councilor from 1983-1988 and from 1990-1991. He was the town’s Mayor from 1992-1997.

Zahara was also well known within the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, where he served as a teacher and a principal for many years.

Because of his work and influence in the education system, the Peace Wapiti Public School Division named the elementary school after him in Sexsmith and currently enrolls 415 students.

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Mayor for the Town of Sexsmith, Kate Potter says he will be missed by residents in Sexsmith.

“Robert Zahara is sort of a legend. He’s done a lot in our town and served for a number of years both as Councilor and as the Mayor and he was a huge active part in our community. He cared a lot about the Town of Sexsmith. His passing of course is a sad day for us and (also) a way also to commemorate him and remember the contributions and the person that he was in our town.”

Mayor Potter says that she unfortunately didn’t get a chance to meet or work with Zahara during her time as mayor, but said it’s tough to go around the town without hearing his name.

“We extend our condolences to his family and many friends. He had many people who considered him a friend, so we are thinking of them as they mourn this loss.”

To mark the passing of Zahara, flags throughout the town were lowered to half mast all day on Monday.