Mount Pearl has lost a giant of the community.

Former MHA Neil Windsor died Sunday at the age of 75.

Windsor was a professional engineer and the town’s engineer before entering politics in the mid-1970s.

He went on to serve 20 years as the PC MHA for the former district of Mount Pearl.

Mayor Dave Aker posted a statement on Facebook, saying, “Neil was a champion for Mount Pearl and was instrumental in helping the community achieve city status. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family and friends.”

A standout goalie in his early years, Windsor is widely credited with spearheading the construction of numerous sports and recreation facilities in the city, including the swimming pool and original Smallwood Arena, affectionately known as the “Tin Can.”

Windsor and several others formed the city’s first minor hockey association, and in 2005 he was inducted into the Mount Pearl Sports Hall of Fame.

Several years ago, the municipal building in Donovans Industrial Park was named after Windsor.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.