February 19, 1964 – December 11, 2025

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, JP Levesque. He passed away peacefully at the young age of 61, surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness.

JP was born in 1964 to proud parents Stella and Leo Levesque, and big brother Philip. He loved reminiscing about growing up on Franklin Street, surrounded by his many cousins and neighbours. In 1973, his father’s career with the Ontario Provincial Police moved JP and his family to Beardmore. Over the next three years, the Levesque’s adjusted to living in a small northern town, away from family and indoor rinks. Despite this, JP’s love for hockey grew as his goalie chops developed. He also began to enjoy new hobbies, like fishing and camping, and even started a business catching and selling dew worms to a local bait shop.

JP spent much of his adolescence on the ice, chasing his dream of becoming a professional hockey player. However, life had other plans. Working as a corrections officer ultimately led JP to a career in policing, following in the footsteps of both his father and brother.

JP dedicated 31 years to the Thunder Bay Police Service, where he rose through the ranks and was eventually appointed Chief of Police in 2011. He led the city’s police service with integrity and courage until his retirement in 2018.

Among many accomplishments, the moments and milestones he spoke most proudly of included teaching and mentoring at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario; attending the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia; and graduating from the Police Leadership Program at the Rotman School of Management.

In 2014, JP was humbled to receive the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in recognition of his exceptional service and contributions to policing, presented by the Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall.

JP’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his primary career. He served as Vice-President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and sat on the Confederation College Board of Governors. His role in organizing and supporting Special Olympics Thunder Bay was especially meaningful to him.

For all that JP gave to his profession and his community, his greatest pride came from the life he built with his family. He met the love of his life, Colleen, on Christmas Eve—a moment that would shape the rest of his life and perhaps explain his lifelong love of the holiday season. JP and Colleen were married on September 3, 1988. Their marriage was the foundation of a home filled with happiness, laughter, and traditions. Through their 37 years of marriage, they faced challenges head-on, and were always a calm and steady presence for their daughters, Madison and Olivia. JP often said that facing cancer would not have been possible without Colleen’s unwavering support.

Becoming a father was one of JP’s greatest joys. He was a proud “girl dad” and embraced every part of raising Madison and Olivia. He always offered steady guidance and endless encouragement. He didn’t miss a dance recital, school performance, or soccer game. Although his career kept him busy, he always managed to cook dinner every night and prioritized gathering at the table together as a family. His love of hockey was renewed when he began coaching Olivia, and he took great pride in coaching with the Thunder Bay Women’s Hockey Association for several years.

JP and Colleen’s dream of becoming grandparents became a reality when they welcomed their first grandchild, Charlotte, in April 2024. While his time with his first grandchild was short, he basked in the moments shared reading books together and snuggling in his rocking chair.

JP was predeceased by his beloved big brother, Phil. We are comforted to know they are side by side once again.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Colleen; daughters Madison (Hunter) and Olivia (Graeme); and his cherished granddaughter, Charlotte. He will also be deeply missed by his beloved parents, Stella and Leo; Patricia and Rod MacPherson; and extended family members, including his numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own.

Beyond his family, JP was quick to form genuine connections with others. During his illness, he built close relationships with those who supported and cared for him. Our family will always be grateful to those who walked alongside him during this time, offering comfort, respect, and kindness when it mattered most: Taylor, Justin, and Paula of Bayshore; Dr. Kathy Simpson, Dr. Joseph Del Paggio, and Dr. Margaret Anthes at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre; the team at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Theresa and the rest of the rest of the hospice care team at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

We would also like to thank all of those who have offered support and kind words to our family, whether directly or through social media. The outpouring of love from members of our community has been overwhelming.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, when family and friends will gather for a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla. Visitation for friends and family will take place one hour prior to Mass at the Cathedral. A private family interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northern Cancer Research Fund in JP’s honour.

“I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”