A Windsor-made environmental giant has passed away.
Citizens Environment Alliance (CEA) Founder Ric Coronado died on Tuesday.
Coronado founded CEA in 1985 and established environmental committees at the former CAW Local 444 and the City of Windsor.
CEA Director and close friend Phil Roberts said family and friends are celebrating Coronado's legacy with heavy hearts.
"Ric was kind of a pioneer in our area, a leader in environmental initiatives, the environmental movement, and environmental advocacies," Roberts said.
Citizens Environment Alliance (CEA) Founder Ric Coronado passed away July 30, 2019. (Photo courtesy of CEA)
Roberts said Coronado was a tireless and effective citizen advocate for environmental and labour issues in Windsor-Essex and beyond for more than thirty years.
"Ric was kind of a character, he was also a guy that was very unforgiving of people who were in a position to make decisions and who could affect change in the environment and didn't," he added.
Roberts said Coronado spent years trying to clean up the Detroit River and was a mentor to numerous environmental activists in the Windsor area and beyond.
"He built a good legacy and built a good framework and the Citizens Environment Alliance will carry on," said Roberts.
Dr. David Suzuki referred to Coronado as a “silverback” among environmentalists because he was a fearless protector and a gentle and respected elder who had an enormous influence on his community.
Windsor-West MP Brian Masse said Windsor has lost a truly inspirational man.
"Ric Coronado was a voice willing to speak out for change well ahead of his time," added Masse.
Coronado is survived by his son, Derek, another impressive environmental activist.
Ric Coronado passed away at the age of 78.
