Gladrel O’Neil Johnson, born in Mayfield, Manchester, Jamaica, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023 in Ottawa at the age of 98. His strength throughout his life and in his last days serve as a source of inspiration to all those around him.
O’Neil received his post secondary education at Mico (Teachers) Training College in Kingston, Jamaica. He later graduated with honours from McGill University and Sir George Williams University in Montreal, Quebec. He had a distinguished 35+ year career as a high school English teacher in Quebec, Canada and in Bungoma, Kenya with the Canadian International Development Agency. He was a natural teacher who touched the lives of countless students over his career. He was an avid reader, fervent gardener, cricket enthusiast, zealous cribbage player, and charismatic entertainer at all gatherings with friends and family. In his later years, he enjoyed reading his Bible, basking in the sun, and spending time with his family.
O’Neil was predeceased by the love of his life of over 30 years, wife Felicia D’Souza (2014). His greatest joys were his children, grandchildren, and great-grands. He will be missed by his 6 children, Dawn (late Laurence), late Geoffrey, Gail (Biagio), Kaye, Trevor (Alicia) and Marcia (Kinte); and 7 grandchildren, Layla, Jason, Summer Rose, Nylah, Kyara, Anaya, and Zayne; and 2 great grandchildren, Isaiah and Julius. He is also survived by his sister Audrey Waite (Winston). O’Neil was blessed with a circle of the most wonderful friends and family members with whom he shared countless laughs and experiences.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the truly incredible health and palliative care professionals at the Montfort and Elizabeth Bruyère hospitals for their exceptional care. They would also like to express their deepest gratitude to friends and family members for their love and support.
O’Neil’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched during his lifetime and he will be deeply missed.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life ceremony in Beechwood's Sacred Space on Sunday, June 25th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) followed by a Reception from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Digital Guestbook
Ann Demers
Owen & Heather Hines
Dear Marcia, Trevor and your extended family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Uncle Johnny. I have fond memories of him laughing, always with a ready joke at hand. I also remember the marathon bridge sessions he led and all those family get-togethers while we were growing up. He will be sorely missed. Know that we're thinking of you and sending our love as you go through this difficult time.
Love,
Owen, Heather, Geneva and Sonnet
Lav and Robert Sinkia
Uncle G was very special and I have very fond memories of him dating back to Jamaica and Canada. May he RIP. My condolences and love to to Dawn, Gayle, Kaye, Marcia, Trevor and their families.
Peter Sykes
Taught me in 70’s at RHS, I will never forget being call “a wretch” and a “pimpernel” absolutely made high school liveable for me I am sure he driving that teal coloured vw beetle somewhere still
Cathy Spina
Mr Johnson was a very nice man. He taught my sister, brother and I at Rosemere High. I graduated in 1976. I was the last one so he’d tease me all the time. Another Spina.!
Reine Lebel
A ma chère amie Dawn et à la grande famille de Gladrel j’ offre mes condoléances et mon amitié
Gladrel a vécu une longue vie bien entouré et a touché le coeur de beaucoup d’étudiants Paix et repos.
Andrea Jackson
Cousin Gladrel was truly a blessing to my mom, me and my children too.
After mom passed, I would also get the phone calls! My deepest sympathy goes out the family!! God grant you peace?
Granville Eric, Isabelle, and Angela Miller; Francine Houle
Our deepest condolences on the loss of "Uncle Johnny". We have fond memories of his infectious laugh and his kindness.
Jennifer Palmer-Bryan
On behalf of the Palmers of Maidstone, Manchester, Jamaica WI, we sympathize with Uncle Gladwell's family, and send our condolences. We pray for you to find comfort in your precious memories of him.
Denise Ferguson and Michael Nicholson
We offer our deepest sympathy. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Gail, Marcia and family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your father rest in peace.