Josef BOSSART

On the evening of Friday, May 5, 2023, Jo Bossart did what he often did when something was taking too long, and slipped off quietly when he was ready. He had spent the previous 15 months being treated for leukemia, and at the time his death was in Ottawa to receive a stem cell transplant that could have represented a cure to his condition. Born in Montreal in 1951, Jo grew up on a farm just south of Ottawa near Manotick. He studied Chemistry at Carleton University and pursed a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at the Ohio State University. During his career in the pharmaceutical industry, Jo worked to ensure that effective and ethical treatments made it to market. Gradually transitioning to consulting in the industry he managed to bypass retirement altogether. As an industry analyst, he published reports focusing on Drug Development and Delivery. After settling permanently in Parry Sound in 2011, Jo became a local fixture, providing thoughts and feedback about the Town and its decisions on a blog, ParrySounds.com. These insights were not always widely popular, but everyone who read his blog came away with a sense of his keen mind, his strong analysis, and his quick wit. Given his first opportunity to engage with a community he supported and served on the boards of several local non-profits including Park to Park Trails, HANDS, the West Parry Sound District Museum, Parry Sound Power & Sail Squadron, Sail Parry Sound, and the Chamber of Commerce. An avid photographer, hiker, and snowshoer he spent much of his spare wandering, cycling, and exploring on the trails in the area, sharing what he saw on ParrySights.com. Jo is survived by his wife of 44 years, Anne (Shipman), his two daughters, Christina Bossart and Carla Bossart-Pletzer (Jim Pletzer), two grandchildren, Henry and Eliza Pletzer and his brother, Bill. He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Thea, and brother, Leo. To acknowledge the considerable support Jo received during his illness, the family requests donations to Canadian Blood Services (give.blood.ca) in lieu of flowers and would like to encourage anyone who is eligible, to be registered as a Stem Cell Donor. As per his wishes, a private family memorial will be held.

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