The popular former mayor of Chisholm Township, Leo Jobin, passed Sunday, June 13 at the age of 72 from cancer.
Jobin was appointed to council from 2002 to 2006 and returned in November 2009, becoming Mayor in January 2010. He resigned last October due to declining health.
“It is time for me to leave Council and focus on my health,” Jobin stated at the September 22, 2020, regular council meeting.
See: Long-time Chisholm mayor resigns for health reasons
Jobin attended his final council meeting on October 27, 2020.
He died peacefully, at the home of his daughter in North Bay over the weekend.
Jobin was active in his community, serving on Chisholm Township Council for four years and as mayor for 16.
He also volunteered with many organizations during his time as mayor, according to his obituary.
Jobin served on multiple committees, such as Community Policing, General Government, Finance Committee, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, Golden Sunshine Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Cassellholme Board, and Centennial Committee to name a few.
To recognize his tenure, loyalty, and dedication, the replacement bridge on River Road was named after Jobin in 2019..
See: Chisholm gets new bridge. Named after long-serving mayor
“I felt very honoured," Jobin said at the time. "I was quite shocked, to be honest. When they first said it, I took a breath wondering if I heard them right. Then they held the sign up.
“It was very nice of them. It was a complete surprise. My mouth dropped open when they said what the name of the bridge was going to be.”
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli said, "Patty and I will miss his wonderful, calm way. Whenever there was an event, we would quickly get over to Leo, because we knew there would be great conversation, a deep feeling of friendship, and a good chance there was going to be lots of laughs. We will miss his gentle and thoughtful approach to life."
Former Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Jay Aspin added, "Certainly a kind and gentle leader who cared passionately about Chisholm and its citizens. He was a pleasure to work with and be around in all the years I have known him. Leo, you have served your citizens extremely well with the ultimate in integrity and honesty ...RIP my good friend."
And from MP Anthony Rota, "Leo was a good friend who I will miss tremendously. He always looked for the positive and wanted what was best for not only Chisholm but all Canadians. Leo’s spirit and drive inspired those who knew him. In his quiet and friendly way, he made a difference because he did things for the right reasons. Leo’s passing leaves a huge hole in the riding and in our hearts."
Chisolm Mayor Gail Dégagné, told BayToday that Jobin's passing is a huge loss for her community.
“Leo was salt of the earth. What you saw was what you got, there was no pretense, and he kept the community at the heart of his decisions. He was the voice of the community, and I think that’s what made him such a fantastic leader.
“I’ve got these huge shoes to fill. And before Leo passed, he was a great mentor to me, and he was also a friend. He lived a very rich life, and he will be very missed by the community.”
Cremation has taken place.
A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date at his farm.
See Leo Jobin's complete obituary here.
