Mayor Tonsing succumbs to illness

Holyoke Mayor Orville Tonsing succumbed to illness as his term in office ends. Tonsing had been suffering with medical issues over the past few months. An immediate cause of death was not available at press time. Tonsing died Monday, Oct. 10. He was 85. Tonsing, nearly a lifelong resident of Holyoke, served on the Holyoke City Council for 14 years, 12 of those years as mayor. His current term as mayor began in November 2020. 

Tonsing was retired and spent 45 years as owner/operator of Holyoke Cleaners. He volunteered and served as past president, chief and secretary of Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department and past president of Colorado Firefighters Association. He also served on the Holyoke Fire Protection District for 38 years and was secretary/treasurer for the organization at the time of his death. 

Tonsing’s wife Roberta, who also served as Holyoke’s mayor, lost her battle with cancer while in office in 2007. 

Mayor vacancy to be filled

In the event the mayor’s office becomes vacant, within 30 days the council must choose, by majority vote, a duly qualified person to fill the vacancy, which will be announced at the Tuesday, Oct. 18, meeting. Whomever the council chooses to serve as mayor will serve until the next regular municipal election following the appointment.

This is a developing story. Check back with The Enterprise as further details become available.