Ramara’s first fire chief is being remembered for his integrity and his dedication to the township.
Ted Conway, who was with the Mara Fire Department before Mara and Rama townships amalgamated in 1994 to become Ramara, died this week.
He served with the area’s fire services for 44 years — 19 as chief.
Tony Stong, Ramara’s current fire chief, started with the department when Conway was at the helm.
“I learned a lot from him. I had a great working relationship with him,” Stong said. “His leadership was very effective. People would follow him into the belly of the dragon, so to speak, because they trusted him.”
Conway, who was “as honest as the day is long,” was known not only for his commitment to the fire department. He owned a construction company and would sometimes provide his services at little or no cost to those who were in need.
“He would take care of people,” Stong said. “He had that compassionate side.”
He described Conway as “very level headed” and having a “calm demeanour” — valuable traits for someone who often led his crews during difficult and tense calls.
“When it came to tough situations, Ted wasn’t easily rattled,” Stong said.
That was on display in 2003, when a train carrying sulphuric acid derailed near Highway 12, leading to the evacuation of Gamebridge.
“Fire Chief Conway’s response gained international attention as diverting a potential environmental impact disaster and ensuring the Ramara community and waterways were safe from this horrific disaster,” a township news release stated.
While Conway was usually responding to emergencies, it was he who called 911 during a horrific collision on Highway 12 in 2010. A driver had crossed into the other lane and struck a number of oncoming motorcycles. Conway was driving in the area when it happened. He called 911 and did what he could to help, along with doctors and nurses who also happened to be at the scene.
It was one of many times Conway demonstrated strong leadership.
“A title is merely a title. Leadership is a skill,” Stong said. “He will be greatly missed by the Ramara fire family. He’s left a void that will be hard to fill, but his legacy will live on.”
The township wanted to ensure his legacy was known. That’s why, upon Conway’s retirement in 2013, Fire Station 1 in Brechin was given the name Ted Conway Hall 1.
“He built this department into what it is,” said Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke, who served as a councillor when Conway was fire chief.
“You couldn’t get a nicer man than Ted, and he was so knowledgeable,” he continued. “He also cared more about the township and the fire department than he did about his own ego. You can never have too many citizens like that.”
In the news release issued Wednesday, the township and the Ramara Firefighters Association offered their “deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Ted Conway's family and loved ones.
“On behalf of council and the Ramara community, we want to thank Ted for his tireless efforts and the value he added to the Ramara Fire Department and the community.”
Information about a funeral or celebration of life for Conway is not yet available.
