It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Joffre Robert Durocher (aka Jeff or Bob) on January 29th, 2024 at 81 years old; peacefully in his home.
Joffre was born on October 24th, 1942, on the homestead in Granada, Quebec; born to the late Antoine Durocher and the late Irene Rousson. He is pre-deceased by his former wife Micheline Leclerc. He is survived by his children Steve and James (Peggi-Jo Franklin), his grandchildren Keagen and Steve, his great-grandchild Noah; his sister Julianne (late Normand Rioux), his brothers Reginald (Margo Brassard) and Laureat (aka Pit, Sylvia Mikosza) and his adoptive grandchildren Brittaney, Jacob, and Benjamin. He is predeceased by his brothers Rheau (late Claudette Charette), and Rosaire (late Huguette Couture), and by his sister Roberte (aka Betty, André Rollin). He will also be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, adoptive Primo family, and dear friends.
Bob grew up on the farm in Granada and in the church where he was adored by his family, as the baby, as well as by the Nuns and Bishop. Learning how to speak English while peddling eggs and milk at 7 years old, by his father’s side. In his summers as a teen he would go tobacco farming, enjoying the down time playing music on the beach, dancing with family and friends. As he got older, he always had adventures. When he would show up at Betty and Andre’s door after a stint of exploring, he would be met with open arms and lessons in responsibility.
With Betty’s firm encouragement to pay for his taxi, he became a French chef at the first Holiday Inn in Canada where he took great pride serving French Cuisine. As he settled into life with his wife and children, he decided to go back to school to get his GED and became decorated with multiple trade tickets that led him to very successful positions, including in Elliot Lake where he climbed the ladder quickly, built his first building while also becoming the President of the Chamber of Commerce. Bob always had a love for providing for his family, politics and having fun with the Primos’.
He had a great love for jamming out with many friends and family members in the Primo basement where he had adopted another family, or rather, they adopted him. As he was settling into a life transition, he started a business in Collingwood, “Like New Renovations”. If it wasn’t like new or if he couldn’t make it like-new, he was stubborn enough to not accept the job. He dedicated the later part of his life to growing this business where he took great pride in his work and grew a reputable reputation in the Collingwood area.
His favourite place to network was the pub, where he could relax and have a laugh with his buddies at the end of the day while also picking up a prestigious client. This is also where he met his adoptive grandchildren who he diligently took care of. Even as he aged, he was passionate about keeping his mind sharp by learning new skills, baking, learning new recipes, crafting, keeping up with politics and working until his last days, and walking around Loblaws and the Salvation Army in the early mornings; he couldn’t stay still. Bob had a childlike spirit, stubborn love, and a compassionate heart.
Bob lived his life fiercely. Through his storytelling and way of living, his generosity, sense of self worth, grit, resilience, leadership, and compassion for service will thankfully be carried through the generations his presence impacted. As he always said “a smile if free. If you can give nothing else, give a smile.”
Please keep smiling, dancing, and learning in honour of Joffre Durocher.
A special thanks goes to Ray and Audra for many years of companionship.
A celebration of life will be held in the warmer months to lay him to rest.
Donations in his memory can be made to honour the love Bob had for his sister, “B”and his appreciation for the service of the Salvation Army to the Alzheimer Society and the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Homes - Collingwood Chapel.