The Honourable Justice Robert Paul Boissonneault passed away peacefully on November 22, 2021 in his favourite chair as he neared the end of his 80th year. Survived by his partner Janie MacLachlan, his indomitable spirit lives on in his children: Michele (Ilangko) Jocelyne (Benjamin), and Paul (Tammy) and their mother Nora Brookfield. Grandpa Bob loved, and was loved by, his grandchildren: Max, Matthew, Annie, Meredith, Sadie, and Ruby.
Born in Rouyn, Quebec, the brother of Carol Steele and the son of Roger Boissonneault and Anita Boissonneault (nee Duval), he spent his childhood in Cobalt, Ontario. Having lost his father in World War II, Bob relied on the love and support of his mother, sister, Mamere and Pepere Duval, and his extended family including his surviving aunts Yolande Tresidder and Florence Duval.
Judging by the accounts he shared, it was a truly remarkable childhood filled with (mis)adventures and experiences that he drew on his whole life. One example involved sticks of dynamite liberated from a Cobalt mine which were used for “fishing” in a nearby lake. Perhaps it was from these early interactions with the local constabulary that Bob derived his healthy skepticism of police powers of search and seizure.
Bob was accepted into Osgoode Hall Law School and worked two jobs to support himself. Following graduation in 1967, he began a successful legal career in Kirkland Lake. After a few years of practice, Bob became frustrated with his insurance company clients who did not follow his legal advice to treat plaintiffs fairly. It did not take Bob long to box up all the files. He promptly began suing the same said insurance companies. Bob successfully advocated for clients from the Kirkland Lake community – a town in which he was deeply invested. During his time in Kirkland Lake, Bob was President of the Kirkland Lake Law Association, President of the Temiskaming Liberal Association, and served on the local Board of Education. When Bob was not working or serving his community, he found joy playing first base on the “Reel Dash” slow pitch team and spending time at Crystal Lake with his family and friends.
After a distinguished career in private practice, Bob was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 1988. He spent over 25 years dispensing “Cobalt justice” (as he called it) in Cochrane, Haileybury, and across the Province. Justice Boissonneault had integrity, and his sense of justice and fairness guided his decisions.
As a voracious reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast, Bob could often be found in a chair on the beach at Gillies Lake, book in hand. He was willing and able to talk with anyone, often in colourful French or English, about the issues of the day. He regularly hosted his children and grandchildren at the cottage in the summer months. Grandpa Bob loved to spoil his grandchildren and was well known to give crisp $20 bills to each grandchild to spend at the Cobalt Flea Market.
Bob displayed quiet generosity and provided guidance and mentorship to his family and many others. Bob was a dedicated, strong-willed and supportive presence in our lives and he will be greatly missed.
A private family service will be held. Donations in memory of The Honourable Justice Robert Paul Boissonneault can be made to CAMH Child and Youth Psychiatry Division. www.camh.ca/en/science-and-research/clinical-divisions/child-and-youth-psychiatry-division. Condolences and contributions may be left at www.buffamleveille.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of The Honourable Justice Robert Paul Boissonneault Monday November 22nd 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Haileybury, Province: Ontario
Deepest sympathies Paul.