Roger A. Windels (born 18 May 1924 in Emelgem – died 13 November 1996 in Bruges) was a Belgian, Flemish politician who served as the mayor of the West-Flemish city of Torhout, senator for the Bruges District and Flemish council member.
Early life Windels studied history in Ghent and following his graduation, he worked as a teacher in the Normaalschool in Torhout. Windels married Maria Rammant on 29 July 1948, and the couple went on to have four children. From 1958 to 1968, Windels served as the chairman of the NCMV (National Christian Middle class Union). He was the founder and provincial chairman, from 1960 to 1995, of the Training Institute for independent professions and self-employed entrepreneurs in West-Flanders (now known as ). In 1963, Windels was one of the founders of the Technische School voor Brood- en Banketbakkerij, which later became known as the culinary school in Bruges. He also served as the principal of the Vrije Handelsinstituut in Bruges.
Political career Windels became a member of the Christian People's Party (CVP) in 1948 and became leader of the party's Torhout branch the following year. From 1961 to 1967, Windels served as an adviser to minister of Middle class and continued to serve in that role under De Clerck's successor . Other duties he had while serving as adviser, were to help the administration and private educational initiatives collaborate, and to translate the notes of the training schools into laws, royal- and ministerial decrees. Windels further served as senator for Bruges from 1977 to 1987, and was amongst others chairman of the senate's commission for education, vice-chairman of the CVP's senate fraction and vice-chairman of the CVP's Bruges district. From May 1977 until October 1980, Windels served as a member of the culture council and the Dutch culture community as a result of a dual mandate. Windels thereafter became a member of the Flemish Council from 21 October 1980 to 12 December 1987.
During the municipal election of 1982, Windels became interested in running for mayor of Torhout and started his campaign to succeed the incumbent socialist mayor . Windels and his party CVP won the election and he thus became the new mayor of Torhout. However when the next municipal election neared in 1988, Windels considered retiring and attempted to convince Schepen Norbert De Cuyper to run as the leading candidate of the CVP list so that De Cuyper could succeed him as mayor. De Cuyper declined, so Windels continued his campaign and subsequently won re-election, receiving the most preferential votes. However, in the midst of the legislature on 31 May 1991, Windels resigned and De Cuyper succeeded him as mayor.
During his career, Windels was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice and was made a knight in the Order of the Crown.
Later life and death Following his retirement from politics, Windels lived with his wife in Torhout before his death in Bruges on 13 November 1996. He was buried at the de Warande graveyard in Torhout.
See also List of mayors of Torhout
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