BOISSONNEAULT, The Honourable Justice Robert Paul - 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.
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.
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.
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. https://www.camh.ca/en/science-and-research/clinical-divisions/child-and-youth-psychiatry-division.
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