Dr. James Emmerson Gaskin, a brilliant chemist, deeply devoted educator and disciplined follower of Christ, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the age of 85 surrounded by his family.
Born in St. James, Barbados, Dr. Gaskin, fondly known by his childhood name, “Emmie”, developed an early passion for the “maths and sciences” that shaped his entire life. He was a distinguished scholar and after graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Ottawa in 1973, launching a venerable career that spanned five decades. As a researcher and chemist with the Government of Canada, a part-time college and university professor, and a frequent tutor of many high school students in his community over the years, he was well regarded for his analytical mind, innovative spirit, and dedication to mentoring and collaborating with his fellow scientists of all ages and levels. His contributions to the field of environmental science/water quality control left a lasting impact on the industry and his colleagues both in Canada and abroad.
Dr. Gaskin is survived by his wife, Cicely Yvonne Gaskin; his children, Gracie Gaskin, David Gaskin (Kirsten), and Humphrey Gaskin, and their mother, Dervis; his stepchildren, Wendy Barrow Makichuk (Robert) and Wayne Barrow (Julie); his sisters Pamela, Jean, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Charmaine, and Cheryl and his brothers Vernon and Carl; his nephew Garvin Gaskin (Odia) and his nieces Nakira (Morton Wilchombe, Jr.) and Tonia Gaskin, and members of the Rodriques family (Donovan, Judith, Quin, Evan and Benjamin). He is further survived by his grandchildren, Marcus (Adrianna), Julia, Alexandra, Mara, Rihana (Rohan Reid), Justin, Jayden, Nathan; his great-grandchildren, River, Rylee, and Shania, and many nieces, nephews and cousins in Barbados, Trinidad, Bahamas, Jamaica, England, and the United States of America. He is welcomed into the kingdom of heaven by his parents, Ermyntrude Forde-Gaskin and James “Darnley” Edmund Gaskin, his brothers Michael (Selreta), Samuel and Edmund, his sisters Miriam and Gloria, and his nephew Romain.
He was well known for his friendliness, integrity, inspiration and leadership. As a founding director of Restoration613 Ministries in Ottawa, Dr. Gaskin trusted steadfastly in God’s faithfulness and provision throughout every season of life.
He will be deeply missed by his family, neighbours, and the many lifelong friends he made around the globe.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. The service will be livestreamed, for those unable to attend in person.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Interment will take place at Beechwood Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. James E. Gaskin to the University of Ottawa Scholarship fund in his name (https://give.uottawa.ca/page/162065/donate/1?fund.id=SC287N&) or to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
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