On the evening of Friday, May 5th, 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.

Condolences

To Anne, Christina and especially my dear Carla. My sincere condolences on the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. You are left with a rich store of memories to sustain you and stories to share with Henry and Eliza,
With my fondest good wishes.
Margaret

Sincerest condolences to Anne and the entire Bossart family.

Dear Anne and family. So sorry to learn of Jo’s passing. He lived a rich full and interesting life and will be missed by many. My thoughts are will all. Karen

Dear Christina: I am so very deeply saddened to hear of your father’s death, yet your message has brought forth a Niagara flow of wonderful memories of a wonderful schoolmate…and delightful bandmate…from all those years ago. We both thought we were pretty good trumpet players until astonishing Bramwell Smith showed up. In typical most-generous-of-spirit fashion he welcomed Bram warmly and we happily replicated Tijuana Brass whenever we could. I have cherished memories of pool (or was it “billiards”?) in your family house on Limebank; dropping in unannounced to hook a treat or two from Lucerne BBQ, and so many more formative-years adventures in Manotick, Mer Bleu (my home) and points between.

Joe is a “once-and-always-friend”…the very best kind: undiminished by time, geography or circumstance.

You can take some comfort, hopefully, in knowing that I returned to my regular progr

Anne, Carla, Jim & Christina,

I was saddened to learn of Jo’s passing. Please know that you’re in my prayers.

To Anne and the family our condolences. Jo was a great person and will be missed. Hugs to all.
Irva and Gord

Dear Anne and family, on behalf of Sail Parry Sound we offer our deepest condolences. Jo volunteered his superb photographic talents in support of so many of our regattas leaving a legacy of the most incredible images captured by his keen eye. We are forever grateful for his quiet and dedicated support, never asking for anything in return. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

To Auntie Anne, Carla, and Christina (and the rest of your amazing family),

It makes my heart heavy to hear about Jo's passing, I send my deepest condolences. I love and miss all of you dearly.

To Anne and family
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. What an amazing and talented man.
Respectfully, Tanya (Aberhart) Hardy

Anne and Family
I’m so sorry
Jo was always happy to help with taking photos, lending his boat , and humorous comments whenever I asked him to help with regattas.
Sue Pilling

My sincere condolences to the Bossart family. I met Jo during my tenure at the Town as Director of Public Works. He came to most of the Council meetings, always watching and learning about the process (or entertainment as I once said to him). He made a point of keeping me on track, complimenting me at times or making suggestions. I truly appreciated his comments. Jo was a strong, articulate, down to earth caring individual and will be missed. There are people that come into one's life and can stay alongside forever. For me, Jo is one of them.

Anne,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family and closest friends on your profound loss.
Respectfully,
Judy~wayne Weaver
Goderich,ON

So very sorry for your loss, Anne. To you and your family I wish you all God's love and strength for the days ahead.

Adele (Turcotte) Smith

To Anne & family: Remembering Jo and keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Redwood Drive Neighbours

Anne, so sorry to hear of Jo's passing. My condolences.

I am so sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. I knew him first and foremost as a member of the Hands Board of Directors. He was loyal, supportive and effectively challenging as a great Director dedicated to the work. As a person his humor and wisdom, sometimes with a sharp twist, were always something to embrace and appreciate. My condolences to Anne and family
Jeffrey Hawkins

My deepest condolences to you, Anne, Christina and Carla. I remember first meeting you all in our little apartment across from John Renee HS where I made Carla "Stomping mad" and next in Pennsylvania where I scraped half my ass off learning to rollerblade and then was soothed with a dinner of "Pasta-Alialios" and several verses of "When I Was a Dinosaur".

I was less familiar with Joe, but do remember our exchanges and our shared love of guitars. I was very fond of him.

Hello Anne. I just came across this news and I wanted to express my condolences.