Justice Platana’s Cornwall connections

(Rolland Dupuis Obituary in March 2007 Cornwall Standard Freeholder)   

Justice Terence Platana was brought in from Thunder Bay, Ontario for the second sex abuse trial of Cornwall lawyer and Church canon lawyer Jacques Leduc.   

Justice Colin McKinnon, one of the two judges who took the bench at the first trial at which Leduc was awarded a stay, was obliged to recuse himself due to his Cornwall/Claude Shaver/Cornwall Police Service connections. The second, James Chadwick, granted Leduc a stay after the trial degenerated into the trial and lynching of Perry Dunlop. 

After the stay was appealed and Leduc was ordered back to trial Justice Platana was brought in from Thunder Bay with the understanding he had no connections to Cornwall and hence there was no potential for conflict of interest and a repeat of the McKinnon fiasco.   

DUPUIS, Rolland (Rolly) - It is with sadness, yet a feeling of great peace, that the families of Madeleine (Mr. Justice Terry) Platana, Allison (Greg) Sargent and their children Jacob and Samuel, Cynthia (Scott) Gordon and their children Sarah and Caroline announce the passing at home in Thunder Bay, ON, of our father, father-in- law, grandfather, and great-grandfather Rolland (Rolly) Dupuis at the age of 93 years on Thursday, March 15, 2007 with his family lovingly by his side. Rolly was the beloved husband of 57 years to the late Gracia (Grace) Brisson. He was the dear father of the late Jacques Dupuis, the late Gerry Dupuis (Dr. Clare Dupuis of Calgary) and grandfather to Matthew and Nicholas Dupuis of Calgary. Rolly was predeceased by his parents Arthur Dupuis and Alma Denis and by his adoptive parents Xavier Denis and Clara Villeneuve. He was also predeceased by three brothers, Henri, Albert, Alphonse, and one sister Yvette. He leaves behind his treasured nieces, Florence Bergeron and Sr. Pauline Parent, other nieces and nephews and his many card playing and golfing friends who gave him many hours of companionship and love. Rolly was a proud graduate of Cornwall Collegiate. He kept himself busy and spent his entire work career of 45 years in the employment of National Grocers Co. Ltd. He served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and was proud to be a WW II veteran. He was also an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus, and a life member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association. He kept himself young through his active involvement with the Cataraqui Curling Club, Cornwall Golf and Country Club, and Heritage Golf Club in Lancaster where he played his last game on his 93rd birthday. More important than what he did in his 93 years of life was how he did things. He lived a faith-filled life based on prayer and devotion. Always dignified and gracious, Rolly was a perfect gentleman. He lived life to the fullest and celebrated each day with a smile and a prayer. His friendly disposition, warm personality and sense of humour made him impossible not to love. His attention to detail and meticulous record- keeping ensured he *kept his marbles* right to the end. He truly led a remarkable life and was blessed to receive a pain free, peaceful death surrounded by family. The family extends its deep gratitude to all those who played a role in his life and death. Rolland will be resting at LAHAIE & SULLIVAN CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, EAST BRANCH, 614 First Street East (613-933-2841) from 7 p.m Friday. Funeral Saturday, March 24, 2007 for Mass of Christian Burial in Nativity Co-Cathedral at 10 a.m. Spring Interment in St. Isidore de Prescott Cemetery. The family will be in attendance from 7 p.m to 9 p.m Friday and from 8:30 a.m until the time of Funeral on Saturday. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to Kinloch Manor (Residential) Hospice, P.O. Box 28038, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 6R5 would be appreciated by the family. Messages of condolences may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.com 10579337