It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Associate Professor Emeritus, Joseph Roy Gillis, who passed peacefully on October 29, 2026, at the age of 67.

Professor Gillis served on the UTFA Executive in a variety of roles, including as Vice-President, University and External Affairs and as an active member of various policy negotiating teams.

Professor Gillis joined OISE in 1997 and held his appointment in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, where he served as Interim Chair from 2014 to 2015. A respected scholar, educator, and mentor, his work advanced the fields of counselling psychology, sexual orientation and identity, and gender-based violence. Roy was deeply committed to his students and an advocate for the communities at the heart of his research, including LGBTQ+ communities. He made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader OISE community.

Please take a moment to review the Obituary to share your condolences with his family and friends and to find information about the service arrangements.