Ronald Alfred Searle (July 19, 1919 – August 29, 2015) was an English-born Canadian soldier, publisher, and politician who served as the fourth mayor of Mississauga, Ontario from 1976 to 1978.
Early life
Ronald Alfred Searle was born in Southampton, England, to Ruby and Theodore Searle on July 19, 1919. His mother was a seamstress and his father was a purser with the White Star Line and a seaman with the Royal Navy during World War I. The family relocated to Toronto, where the family had relatives.
Military career
After joining the Toronto Scottish militia in the mid-1930s, Searle later signed up with the Toronto Scottish Regiment immediately upon Canada declaring war against Nazi Germany in September 1939. During World War II, Searle landed twice in France, once at Brest and once at Normandy. He was later wounded at Falaise in Ardennes when he took three machine gun bullets to his leg. On December 10, 1949, he married his wife, Mollie, and together they raised one son, Mark William Searle.
In 1962, he was elected to the Mississauga town council and served for fourteen years. He later made another unsuccessful bid for the mayoralty in 1982, but was defeated by McCallion again.
Later life and death
Following his failed 1982 election bid, Searle remained active in the community. He would often represent homeowners' interests at city hall,
In late August 2015, Searle was admitted to Mississauga Hospital for pneumonia.
Honours
The following honours were conferred on Searle:
- Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
- Legion of Honour