A stalwart of the Progressive Conservative Party, and an advocate for women in politics has passed away.

PC Leader David Brazil says Bill Gaulton passed away earlier this week, and was a member of the party for six decades, describing him as a “pillar” of the PCs and an inspiring motivational speaker.

Brazil says Gaulton had a fire in his belly for politics at all levels, and a deep-rooted passion for the value of democracy.

That quality, he states, earned the man the admiration and respect of all political stripe.

Brazil says he has known Gaulton his entire political career, and remembers one of his key rallying cries of “one more vote.” He says Gaulton was a believer that every vote matters and that everyone should have a say in how the province is run.

Meanwhile, St. John’s Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary is remembering Gaulton.

She says Gaulton was one of the earliest members of Equal Voice NL alongside Shannie Duff, and was a dedicated advocate for women in politics.

O’Leary says Gaulton loved women and saw their power. She says she is grateful to have called Gaulton a friend and to have his support.