John Kelly

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.