A well-known community leader in Central Newfoundland has passed away.

Dennis Simms, a former councillor on the Appleton town council passed away on Wednesday at the age of 70.

He is being remembered for his instrumental role in helping to address the raw sewage which once ran into his beloved Gander River. The innovative, natural approach has won multiple awards according to his obituary.

Simms was also front and centre in Appleton’s response to the influx of stranded international travellers who found themselves in Central Newfoundland in the days following the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

A funeral service will take place at a later date.