It was with profound grief that we learned of the death on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, of Boris Polanski, a devoted, frontline member of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC). To his family, his friends and the innumerable people whose lives he bettered through his service and sheer humanity, we offer our heartfelt condolences. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Polanski, who was a mathematician and educator by training, served with seriousness, humility and exemplary fidelity on DPCC’s national council for six years (2018-2024). His thoughtful voice, deeply rooted in ground realities, and his constant concern for the common good strengthened the cohesion of our movement and helped guide important decisions.
Polanski’s consciousness of and connection to the concerns of the poorest people and those who seek to help them came from his faithful work at the diocesan and parish levels, where he best embodied our common mission. As a member of DPCC’s diocesan council for Montreal since 2001 and as its president since last September, Polanski was revered for his ability to inspire, encourage, accompany, unite and support people in become more socially conscious and committed. He also led the social justice ministry at St. Kevin’s Parish in Côte-de-Neiges, one of Canada’s densest and most diverse neighbourhoods.
For over 20 years, Polanski had also held local leadership positions with the Knights of Columbus, including church director, treasurer, regional director and grand knight.
While their grief on his loss is immeasurable, those who had the privilege of knowing Polanski well also have very fond memories of the man and his work, which some of them have kindly shared:
“Boris was a tireless servant to social justice.”
― Chris Voss, DPCC member, Montreal
“He exuded confidence and commitment that were motivational. It’s certainly a great loss for DPCC.”
― Fernand Letourneau, member, DPCC diocesan council for Saint-Jean-Longueuil, Que.
“May the Lord let perpetual light shine on him in the eternal peace of Christ. Boris served both the Lord and the community.”
― Tony de Jesus, DPCC member, Montreal
“Boris had told me that he aimed to be involved in voluntary work for 40 hours weekly, on top of his 40-hour job! The people he helped directly or indirectly are uncountable. He lived his Christianity everyday.”
― Yvonne Bourque, DPCC member, Montreal
“I am deeply saddened by Boris’s passing. Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada has lost one of its most dedicated and loyal members. He will leave a great void among us and within the diocesan council.”
― Raymonde Dubois, member, DPCC committee for Repentigny, Qué.
“I worked with Boris for four years on the DPCC National Council. He was a very special man with remarkable intelligence and good judgment, always ready to respond to our requests with kindness. This is a great loss for DPCC and the Knights of Columbus in Montreal.”
― Simone Fournier, former member of the DPCC national council
“Boris is at the great eternal banquet with our heavenly Father now. Surely, it must be a solidarity supper, and the Lord has asked Boris to speak about love for the poor. Boris, good and faithful servant, we will miss you!”
― Brian McDonough, former director of the social action office of the Archdiocese of Montreal
“Boris never judged people; he saw the best in everyone. He was a faithful leader in the movement and always kept us on point during meetings yet was flexible enough to stop and appreciate when the Holy Spirit was at work in our dialogue. He even had fine taste in culture. We were all surprised at a parish representative appreciation night when Boris, ever the ‘wine connoisseur’ ordered the perfect merlot to go with supper!”
― Kim Piché, animator, DPCC; former coordinator of the anglophone network of the social action office of the Archdiocese of Montreal
“Boris was a man of discipline, care, thoughtfulness and passion. He left an important mark on our national council with his attention to detail and his emphasis on transparency and accountability. His love of Christ was always connected to service and action, and he will be greatly missed.”
― Gabrielle Dupuis, President, DPCC
“Boris was one of the most active and conscientious members of our organization during his many years with us. Nothing escaped his attention, especially during budget discussions and audits. Whether at the national or local level, he never missed a meeting and often set the tone for the day’s debate. A big thank you for your devotion, Boris, and may God welcome you to His side.”
― Carl Hétu, Executive Director, DPCC
While many admired and appreciated him, a fortunate few enjoyed close personal friendship with Boris Polanski. Among them was Yves Bourassa, who has on various DPCC parish committees and a diocesan council since 1988, served on our national council for six years and was a consultant to the council’s finance committee for seven years. Here’s his account of who his dear departed friend was:
“You don’t always choose the route, or even the time of departure…”
― From Si fragile, by Quebec singer-songwriter Luc De Larochellière
On February 5, we learned of the passing of a great volunteer for solidarity, a committed activist. A man for whom both local and international solidarity were important. Boris was a very active volunteer in the field, championing several causes with conviction.
There are people who don’t need to make grand speeches for their presence to be felt. Boris was like that. Discreet and reserved, he liked to keep a certain distance, but it was never out of coldness. It was more a form of respect and modesty. Very few people can claim to have known Boris well. He was a bit mysterious, even secretive. But everyone knew that solidarity was close to his heart. He didn’t judge people; he always sought to see the best in everyone.
Boris had been a proud Knight of Columbus for many years. He had risen through the ranks. This honoured him. Numerous commendations attest to this.
Without saying much, he showed us that truth and openness are essential to mutual aid. As president of the Montreal diocesan council, he ensured that everything was done honestly, for everyone’s benefit of all.
He had many friends and few enemies. He knew how to be there for others and help them. When Boris committed to something, it mattered. He knew how to get things done. He worked well in a team and made his point of view known. He was always ready to give his best. He had learned that there is more joy in giving than in receiving. Mission accomplished!
Boris leaves us a legacy of faith that is not ostentatious but embodied in unwavering loyalty. His passing, felt in the sudden void of his absence from work, is the ultimate testament to his legendary loyalty. He was not a pillar who crushed others, but a figure of constancy, a sentinel who, at the forefront of our struggles since 2001, reminded us by his mere presence that service is a prayer that lasts a lifetime.
On a more personal note, I would like to thank Boris for the depth of our discussions about our respective commitments. During these moments of sharing, his usual reserve faded away, giving way to a rare quality of listening. He did not just discuss the tasks at hand; he shared his vision of a more just world with a clarity and humility that left a deep impression on me. Our conversations were a valuable reminder to me that commitment to social justice takes on its full meaning when it is driven by such authenticity.
Goodbye, Boris! On behalf of myself and all your sisters and brothers in solidarity from the Global North and South, I thank you for walking with us and giving your very best.
“Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23)
In bidding farewell to Boris Polanski, we resolve to honour his memory by continuing to be inspired by it and remaining committed to the mission he so loved.