Peacefully in his sleep on June 28, 2022 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Ottawa. John will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 37 years, Hanna. John was a proud father to his five children, Meredith (Jason Oke), John (Jennifer Kelly), Andrew (Claire Doggart), Matthew (Lauren Kelly), and Bobby (Chloe Hutchison). He is survived by his brothers Ron and Hubert, his brother-in-law John Nelson, by his sisters-in-law Dianne Kelly and Laurel Nelson, and his nieces and nephew, Erin, Michelle, Justin and Melissa. John leaves behind his grandchildren Millie, Dash, Max, Twyla, Piper and Leah, and his grand-nephew, Riley.
There are many traits that made John the wonderful man that he was. He had charisma that would light up a room, and a quick wit that he was always happy to share. He was a gifted storyteller, with a captivating smile and laugh. He was a skilled athlete, and enjoyed tennis, skiing, hockey, basketball, bridge, and more for many years. Above all else, he was kind, generous, humble and patient with everyone who crossed his path.
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on February 12, 1940, he left home in 1956 to attend Iona College in New York. He later moved to Toronto and then to Ottawa in 1967, where he would spend the next 55 years. It was on a trip back to New York in 1983 where John would meet the love of his life, Hanna, his wife and partner for decades to follow.
John truly left his mark on the city, with many years as a trailblazer and entrepreneur in the business community, including as the founder and vision behind NABU Network. As a dedicated community builder, John touched lives across the region and poured time and effort into many important causes, such as the United Way, the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre, and more. During a career that took him around the world, John always had time for family, friends and colleagues, and somehow still managed to complete a Bachelor of Law from the University of Ottawa in 1974. He would go on to receive an Honourary Doctorate from the University in 1998, one of many accolades he received throughout his illustrious career.
Still, it is John the husband, the father, the brother, the uncle, grandfather and friend that will be missed and remembered most. Those who are able to attend are invited to join the funeral and reception at 1pm on Wednesday, July 6 at the Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Institute (http://foundation.ottawaheart.ca), the Centre for Health Innovation (http://thechi.ca/donors/), the Bruyère Foundation (https://www.bruyere.org/en/donate-now), or the charity of your choice.
John’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the many kind doctors, nurses and staff at the Civic Hospital, Ottawa Heart Institute and Saint Vincent Hospital.
Digital Guestbook
Tony Thurston
Jim Groenewald
I was sorry to learn of John's passing. I had the privilege of working with John over 40 years ago as part of the team that founded NABU (an acronym for "Natural Access to Bi-directional Utilities") - a forerunner of the Internet. John was a visionary and was one of the first to recognize the enormous potential of advanced communication technologies. In so many ways John experienced a life well lived.
charles Schwartzman
Andrew and Family; my sincere condolences on the loss of your dad.
Mike Williams
My condolences to all of John's family and friends. I have had the privilege of knowing and working with John over the past 15 years. He was a leader who was always positive and compassionate. I always enjoyed talking to John about Newfoundland and his many experiences throughout his life. He will be missed by all.
mike Arnold
I Knew John from the early days of establishing Systemhouse and throughout my time living in Ottawa. It was a privilege working for him and alongside him over those years. He was a great role model for myself and many others. He will be missed by the IT community and his contribution to the Ottawa community will be missed by all involved. M
Tom & Ruth Donovan
Sending condolences to Hubert, Dianne and the Kelly family. You are in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Janet Morrissey and Family
Our deepest sympathy to Hanna and family, also to John's brothers Ron and Hubert (Dianne ).
John was a good man with a wonderful personality. We had the pleasure of his company at some get togethers in NL. He will certainly missed by his family and friends.
Robert Triebe
John served as Chairman of our Board of Directors at TEI for over a decade. He was always available, understanding, and ready with kind advice for a once young man eager to show his stuff. His wisdom was always sharp and on point. I was fortunate to benefit from knowing him. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Brenda and Ron Robertson
Dear Hanna, one of the joys of life was getting together with you and John. We can only begin to imagine the loss that you and your family must now be feeling. You have our deepest sympathies.
Max Liu
My condolences to Andrew, Matt and the entire family. I never knew John but he raised great kids, some of whom I have the pleasure of knowing. I pray that the Kelly family can find peace during this difficult time.
I knew John for most of my working life and for years thereafter and he never failed to enrichen it. I’ve lived a much more fulfilling life because of him. He could always be counted on for wise advice, a friendly smile, a funny story or even the occasional adventure. I will miss him enormously.