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
Norman Southward
Kendal Young
Bobby,
On behalf of the Junior School, I send you and your family our deepest condolences. Your father sounded like a wonderful man. We are thinking of you.
Kathryn Tremblay
Bobby and family, I'm so grateful for the work that you father did with Ashbury College as Board Chair -- and now, my privilege to work with you. I'm terribly sorry for your loss, and I know this will be a difficult time ahead to process. I wish your family all the love and kindness at this time. Kathryn
Chris Hughes
A great spirit who loved the City and gave so much to make our community a better place to live. A loss for us all!
Peter McWha
John Kelly was the best boss I ever had and I've had many (including self-employment). He had enormous patience, intelligence, exceptional listening skills, but most of all, faith in the people who worked around him, especially when that faith was needed. The function of a leader is to create leaders, and that's what John did. Everyone who met or knew him was better because of that encounter.
Julie Glascott
How do you say goodbye to such a wonderful man? Anyone who knew him was blessed. His grace and humility were in his every action.
His love for Hanna and his children was evident in everything he did. I remember him coming into my office, to ask me to book him a flight to Toronto for that evening. His daughter, Meredith, was heart-broken after a break-up with her boyfriend. John rushed to her to side to comfort her. What a Dad!
I won't say goodbye to this wonderful soul, who was truly one of the best of us. I will just say - see you later, God willing.
Love Julie
Eric A Anttila
John was a model of generosity and trust. He was a wonderful person to work for throughout my years at NABU. He and his wife also got me involved with the Ottawa Waldorf School where four of my children wound up attending.
Richard Bertrand
John was an outstanding Community leader. He gave so much to Ottawa in so many ways. Amongst his many honours he was presented an Hounourary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa. We shall miss him.
Julie Chartrand
My sincere condolences.
Tony Tattersfield
Good memories of periodic dealings with John during his extended, varied, Ottawa business challenges, and subsequently of our many volunteer years at Ashbury. With thoughts of the Family, particularly during these somber, challenging, days.
On behalf of the Ashbury College community I send my sincere condolences to the Kelly family at this sad time. We are so very grateful to John for his service to our school community, and to our greater city and region. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your family’s loss.