‘He will be remembered not only for his service and leadership but also for his kindness and the friendship he shared with so many in the community he loved.’

The community is mourning the passing of Léo Malette, former Mayor of Cache Bay and long-serving West Nipissing councilor, who dedicated over 40 years to public service. Malette passed away on Dec. 19 after a battle with cancer. He was 80.

“He cared deeply about his community and worked tirelessly to make Cache Bay and West Nipissing stronger, more connected places to live,” West Nipissing’s mayor, Kathleen Thorne Rochon, posted on social media. “His commitment, experience, and steady presence at the council table left a lasting impact.”

“I admired and respected him profoundly,” she added in a release. “His support and encouragement over the last few years, as I acclimated to the role of mayor, were invaluable. He firmly believed that members of council could work together collaboratively and respectfully—even when they disagreed—and that perspective has helped shape the way our current council approaches its work.”

This March, the Community Board Room at the Nipissing West O.P.P. Detachment was officially named the Léo Malette Boardroom to honour his leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the community.

See: Former councillor honoured by OPP and municipality

Mike Pilon, West Nipissing’s Chief Administrative Officer, added, “While I did not have the opportunity to work with Léo while he was on Council, I was fortunate to know him and his family for many years. My family has long been close with the Malettes.”

“I have many fond memories of Léo, always quick with a smile, a joke, and a kind word. His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the community were evident in everything he did, and he will be remembered with respect and fondness by all who knew him,” Pilon continued.

To honour his memory, flags at the Municipal Office and at the Cache Bay Community Centre have been lowered to half-mast.

In a release, municipal staff emphasized, “The Municipality of West Nipissing extends its sincere condolences to Léo’s family, friends, and members of the community grieving this tremendous loss. He will be remembered not only for his service and leadership but also for his kindness and the friendship he shared with so many in the community he loved.”

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.