Keith Jobbitt
| Keith Jobbitt | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Keith Jobbitt (B.A., LL.B.) is a prominent lawyer and community leader based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. With a legal career spanning over five decades, he is best known for his practice at the law firm Shaffer Jobbitt and his foundational role in shaping Thunder Bay's modern healthcare infrastructure.[1]
Legal Career
Jobbitt graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1969. For over 40 years, he was a principal figure at Shaffer Jobbitt, establishing a broad practice that covered real estate, corporate and commercial law, wills and estates, and Aboriginal law.
At its height, his practice extended far beyond Thunder Bay to serve communities across Northwestern Ontario, operating branch offices in Atikokan, Marathon, and Geraldton. In September 2014, after more than 45 years in practice, Jobbitt officially retired from the Marathon and Geraldton offices, transferring those files to Erickson & Partners.[2] He subsequently transitioned to working as counsel with Brenda Leigh Bell Law Offices.
Throughout his career, Jobbitt has been an active advocate for the regional legal community, including serving a term as President of the Thunder Bay Law Association.
Community Leadership and Healthcare
Jobbitt is widely recognized for his 18-year dedication to amalgamating and modernizing Thunder Bay’s hospital system. His involvement in healthcare governance began in 1984 when he joined the Board of Directors for St. Joseph's Hospital. Recognizing the financial and operational inefficiencies of operating multiple acute care hospitals in the city, Jobbitt became a key proponent of a "one hospital concept."[3]
His leadership was instrumental in the eventual creation of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), which officially opened in February 2004. His healthcare governance roles include:
- Chair of the Board, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
- Founding Board Chair, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI).[4]
Beyond healthcare, Jobbitt has also been an active participant in the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, supporting local economic development.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his extensive public and legal service, Jobbitt has received numerous local and provincial accolades:
- Ontario Bicentennial Medal (1984)
- Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada (1993)
- Lincoln Alexander Award (2012) – Awarded by the Law Society of Upper Canada in recognition of his outstanding commitment to the public and the legal community.[5]
- Keith Jobbitt Way – The main street entrance leading to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre was named in his honor, commemorating the thousands of volunteer hours he dedicated to making the regional hospital a reality.[6]
Personal Life
Jobbitt resides in Thunder Bay with his wife, Donna. He continues to be a supporter of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, having contributed both personally and through his former firm, Shaffer Jobbitt.[7]
Likely his son is Dr. Steven Jobbitt, but no evidence besides rare last name.
References
- ↑ Thunder Bay Law Association. "Past Presidents and Historical Bench." TBLA Archives.
- ↑ Erickson & Partners. "Notice of Transfer of Files - Keith Jobbitt." September 2014.
- ↑ Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. "History of the Hospital Amalgamation." TBRHSC Corporate Archives.
- ↑ Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. "Founding Board Members."
- ↑ Law Society of Ontario. "Lincoln Alexander Award Recipients." LSO Archives.
- ↑ Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. "Hospital Map and Road Dedications."
- ↑ Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. "Donor Recognition List."