The community is in mourning after learning Stroud Foodland owner Troy Scott has died following a battle with COVID-19.
A well-known community partner, Scott was a great supporter of the Innisfil Food Bank and Innisfil Rotary Club. He had tested positive for the virus last month.
Messages of condolences and sympathy have been pouring in online from members of the community.
On Monday evening, Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard posted a tribute to Scott on his social media calling the news "unbelievably heartbreaking."
"Troy was always there to help support his community and was one of the kindest, most giving people you could meet," Brassard wrote. "My sincere condolences to his family and many friends who are really hurting right now."
"I was heartbroken to hear that Troy Scott passed away," said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. "My thoughts go out to his family especially his two daughters."
The mayor spoke of Scott's contributions to the community. "The moment you walked into his store, he always gave you this warm welcome and you knew he really did care about people," she said. "Troy was a longtime resident and a community ambassador. He was always one of the first to step forward to lend his support to those in need and to various initiatives.
"I know so many residents will miss him, so our council and staff will be taking a look at ways we can honour and remember him for the community leader he was," the mayor added.
Pastor Howard Courtney, with the Innisfil Food Bank and Innisfil Community Church, expressed his condolences over the devastating loss for the community.
"Innisfil Food Bank and Innisfil Community Church are extremely saddened to learn of the death of Troy Scott, owner of Stroud Foodland. This COVID-related death reminds us all of how precious, yet how volatile life is," the pastor said.
"Troy was a very strong community partner in so many ways. Over the last few years we have received literally tons of food collected at the collection bin located at his store," Courtney added. "But alongside of this, he assisted in our endeavours to feed the most vulnerable a Christmas dinner every year, often providing free vegetables and giving us a great price on their foods.
"Troy loved the community in which he served. His positive attitude and generous heart was felt my many local volunteer organizations. He will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with the family at this time."
Local MPP Andrea Khanjin also expressed her condolences.
“My heart goes out to Troy's family and friends as they grieve this great loss of a community leader," she said. "He was always there to help a neighbour or friend. Troy worked hard to ensure the community was able to shop and buy groceries locally while receiving high quality service. He was an avid supporter of the Innisfil Food Bank, bringing food to the tables of many families in our community during difficult times in their lives.
"He also supported the Rotary Club; he was a true anchor in our community. Troy was the definition of selflessness and I, like many in our community will miss him. I am thankful that Troy lived and worked within Simcoe County, and his contributions to the community will continue to be appreciated and remembered," Khanjin said. "My condolences go out to all of Troy’s family, friends, and to the employees and customers of the Stroud Foodland.”
