The Municipality of West Nipissing joins the community in mourning the passing of Léo Malette, former Mayor of Cache Bay and long-serving Municipal Councillor. Léo devoted himself to the betterment of his community, dedicating over 40 years to public service.
From 1971 to 1999, he worked as a maintenance lead with the Sturgeon Falls O.P.P. Detachment, while also volunteering to give back to his community. He first joined Council in Cache Bay, serving multiple terms as Councillor and two terms as Mayor. Following amalgamation in 1999, he represented Ward 2 for nearly two decades and also held roles as Deputy Mayor and Chair of both Au Château Home for the Aged and the West Nipissing General Hospital. Beyond his political and professional contributions, Léo and his wife Rollande devoted themselves to local volunteer initiatives, including the West Nipissing Food Bank.
Mayor Rochon shared: “Léo cared deeply about his community and worked tirelessly to make Cache Bay and West Nipissing stronger, more connected places to live. I admired and respected him profoundly. 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.”
Earlier in 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.
CAO Mike Pilon, 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.”
To honour his memory, flags at the Municipal Office and at the Cache Bay Community Centre have been lowered to half-mast.
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.