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
Ron and Gloria Ambrose
Bonnie Teet
Having known your father for only a few years, I can honestly say how he made my day more joyous when he bowed and tipped his hat to me. O’Neil was such a true gentleman. I loved speaking with him about books & filling me in on his background. He will be missed by his neighbours. Such a special man.
Denise and Jerry
Praying for you all as you walk through this journey of grief. May the Lord grant you His peace and comfort.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Zahra Henry
It was such a pleasure to come to know Uncle Gladrell while I studied at McGill. Speaking with him on the phone reminded me of my grandmother (Merle Brown), his first cousin, as he spoke so charmingly with that never failing rural Manchester accent! Visiting him reminded me of her even more so, because the Johnson features are so strong! I am sad that I did not get to see him on my last two visits to Canada, though we tried, but happy that I was able to speak with him on the phone several times in these recent months. His memory was so sharp and he was so full of cheer. God bless you, Uncle! You will be missed by all of us.
Marlene Reid
Mummy always talked with and about Uncle G. Can just imagine them celebrating and dancing all over Heaven!
Anne Thornley-Brown
Mr. Johnson went to Mico with my Dad in Jamaica. I've known him and his family for almost all of my life. I used to look forward to his calls at Christmas and seeing him when I visited Ottawa. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his children.
Tarrick Johnson
Sleep In Peace, My Condolences to your family.
Laurie Oakes
Those that us who were lucky enough to have had Mr. Johnson as our English teacher at Rosemere High School were honored. He was a wonderful teacher who used kindness and humor to motivate his students. He was much loved.
Laurie Oakes
RHS class of 1975
Robert Head Chen
I have such fond memories of Mr. Johnson. He was a kind man at a turbulent time in my life, when I was a student at RHS.
A teacher beloved by thousands of students.
That is accomplishment.
RIP.
Sarah Heaton
I was one of the fortunate ones to have Mr Johnson as my 10th grade English teacher at Rosemere High School. He was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. Fun loving and ever so charming and charismatic. I owe my love of literature to him.
Sending you our condolences for your loss. Although we never met him your dad was a remarkable man who loved and lived life to the fullest. May he rest in peace