A man who was seen as being instrumental in the development of a flourishing town in the island’s industrial heartland has passed away.

Kevin Wadman, who began his work life teaching in Conne River, joined the family business in Bar Haven, Placentia Bay. In the late 1950s, they moved the business to Arnold’s Cove, getting into grocery, hardware, furniture, a mechanic shop and the fish business. Backed by a fleet of 30 trucks, they sold products throughout Canada and the United States.

Wadman served on the town council, was high up in the Lions, and worked until the age of 86.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday evening at the Arnold’s Cove Lions Club. Kevin Wadman was 94.