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
Aryanna and Bryce Nicholson
Errol (Ernal) Nembhard
Although I have never met Cousin Gladrell, I heard a lot of wonderful things about him, from my mother Mary (Johnson) Nembhard and my uncles. May he rest in peace. May God bless his children and grandchildren, and the rest of the family.
Ayres Gonsalves
He was always Uncle Neil to us and what a great uncle he was. Uncle Neil was the husband to my mom’s sister, making Trevor and Marcia my 1st cousins. Uncle Neil was a huge part of our lives growing up. I remember him to be knowledgeable and wanted to learn more as well as passing along his knowledge to others. He was very loving and always welcomed us into his home. Uncle Neil and my aunt had some of the best family gatherings and my memories are plenty! I remember Uncle Neil to be a baseball fan and loved by all who knew him. When he retired, he spent many hours helping Trevor and Marcia with piano lessons, and they became pretty good. He was a loving husband and took care of his wife when she was sick till she finally passed away. I will always remember his love for his cat and always having treats for him whenever he wanted them! Uncle Neil was a very strong man who had a great passion for gardening! It was he who taught me the things I currently know about gardening. His garden was always so beautiful and ever changing. I will miss this gentle giant but will remember him fondly in a garden in heaven with all those who have passed before him. Rest peacefully Uncle Neil.
Linda Way
My most influential teacher at RHS 1973, still being inspired by him 50 years later. My condolences to all who loved Mr. Johnson.
Heather Wilde (Noel)
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Johnson. He was my English teacher at RHS back in the 70s. Words cannot express how wonderful a teacher he was to all of us. He was so loved. Mr. Johnson ranked at the top of the list by all the students on the Rosemere High School Facebook page. We were always asking does anyone know where Mr. Johnson is now, is he still in Quebec? Without exception such wonderful, funny stories shared by all. Please know he touched so many, and will always be remembered with such love.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our love and prayers during this difficult time.