John Robarts only Premiere of Ontario not born in Ontario and sad ending
John Robarts — Ontario’s “Chairman of the Board” and a Champion of Unity
On my walk through the serene St. James-the-Less Cemetery in Toronto, I came upon the grave of a man whose name still resonates through the halls of Ontario politics — John Parmenter Robarts, the 17th Premier of Ontario and one of the province’s most respected post-war leaders.
Born in Banff, Alberta in 1917, Robarts moved east with his family to London, Ontario, where his roots would deepen. He studied at the University of Western Ontario, then answered the call to serve his country in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. After the war, he completed law school and began his political life as a city councillor in London.
By 1951, Robarts was elected as the Progressive Conservative MPP for London and quickly became a rising star within the party. When Premier Leslie Frost stepped down in 1961, Robarts succeeded him, taking the helm of Ontario’s government at a time of immense growth and transformation.
Premier of Ontario, Leslie Frost.
Known as “The Chairman of the Board”, Robarts presided over Ontario during a dynamic decade (1961–1971). His government expanded education, built new universities, supported the introduction of universal healthcare, and recognized the importance of French-language education, making Ontario a more inclusive province.
But perhaps most notably, Robarts stood firmly against the forces of Quebec separatism, believing passionately in Canadian unity. His steady hand and thoughtful leadership made him one of the most admired premiers in the country.
Robarts with Quebec Premier, Robert Bourassa.
Yet behind the public success, Robarts’ private life was marred by tragedy. He suffered the devastating loss of his son,
Before his death by suicide, Timothy wrote a 12-page, single-spaced note stating that he felt he was only meant to be on Earth for a short time and expressing no anger toward anyone. He was only 21.
followed by a series of stroke-related health issues that altered his quality of life. On October 18, 1982, at the age of 65, John Robarts died by suicide in his Toronto home.
1917-1982
Located at the base of his monument.
