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BOLAN, Michael George

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Bolan
After a long and remarkable life, the Honourable Justice Michael G. Bolan (ret.) died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 24 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Mike is survived by his wife Susan of North Bay, and his former wife Betty Watts Kramp of Hastings. He was the loving father of Catherine (Peter Laurie) of Peterborough, Michael of Guelph, Gordon (Jenny Young) and Bryan, both of Toronto, Christine (Capt. Charlie Wood) of Ottawa, and John (Laura Haapamaki) of Sudbury. Mike will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren David and Justin Laurie, Brianna and Sierra Bolan, Henry and Alberta Bolan, Jillian Wood; and Emily, Stephanie, Peyton and Abigail Bolan. He was predeceased by his sons Richard Douglas, who died in 1965, and Patrick David, who died in 1969. He was also predeceased by his sister Margaret Dagenais.

Mike was born in North Bay on October 10, 1933 to the late Sgt. M.M. Bolan and Helen Maille, and raised in Cobalt. He graduated from Assumption College, Windsor, and Osgoode Hall Law School, and was called to the bar in 1960. Following a distinguished career in law, he was appointed to the Bench in 1981, serving on the District Court of Ontario and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Mike also served his community as a trustee on the Widdifield Board of Education, the Nipissing Board of Education, and as an alderman for the City of North Bay. He was a Liberal Member of the Ontario Legislature from 1977 to 1981. He was also involved with the Algonquin Regiment for many years, serving as a member of its Senate, as Honorary Lieut.-Colonel and Honorary Colonel. Mike never forgot his roots. He was a self-described “p’tit colon” from Cobalt, and was proud of having worked in the mines as a young man. A defining characteristic of his political and legal career was his belief in the common good, and treating everyone fairly and with respect. Mike was happiest when out walking in the woods or paddling a canoe. He was also a natural storyteller and painted vivid pictures about what it was like to come of age in the Tri-town area.

The family wishes to thank the professional and caring staff at the Continuing Complex Care unit at North Bay Regional Health Centre for their love and compassion for Mike and his family. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at McGuinty Funeral Home, 591 Cassells Street in North Bay. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11:00 am at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 401 First Ave West in North Bay. In lieu of flowers, sympathy can be expressed through donations to the North Bay Regional Health Centre or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Online condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com.




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