A well-known Quinte area businessman has passed away.
The announcement was made by the family of Signal Brewery owner Richard Courneyea on social media Wednesday morning.
Courneyea was a long time downtown Belleville business owner. He operated Richard Davis men’s clothing store for 24 years. He was a president of the Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce, president of Bay of Quinte Tourism, and vice-chair of the Belleville Agricultural Society.
Courneyea was also a director of the Belleville Downtown Improvement Area, chair of the City of Belleville Facade Improvement Committee and past president of Belleville Sales & Advertising.
In 2014, Courneyea ran to be mayor of Belleville, and was a former councillor in the Village of Tweed.
Many family members and friends wrote touching tributes on the social media post, which show him as a well-respected businessman, community advocate, and much more to many people.
The family says arrangements are still be finalized.
In his honour, the City of Belleville has lowered the flag at City Hall until Friday.
In a statement, Mayor Mitch Panciuk said, “Richard’s passing is a huge loss to our community and he will be dearly missed by so many. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting for 2015. President Richard Courneyea is 2nd from the left (Photo: John Spitters/ Quinte News)
