The Honourable Denis J. Power

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of the Honorable Denis J. Power on May 18, 2026. Denis is predeceased by his loving wife Louise (nee Parisien) and brothers Doug, Tommy and Stephen. He leaves behind his daughters Christine (Greg), Karen (Jeff), Julie (Pat), and Lisa (Kevin), his 11 grandchildren; Fabian, Daniel, Matthew, Eric, Sean, Jamie, Isabelle, Darcy, Jeffrey, Lucy, and Neil. He will also be missed by his surviving siblings Jim, Clare, Frank, Roger, John, and Ray.

Son of Edith and Frank Power, Denis was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the fourth of ten children. The Power family moved to Ottawa in September of 1950, at which point Denis attended Corpus Christie School for one year. Following that, he attended St. Patrick’s High School and St. Patrick’s College, from which he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Commerce. He then attended law school at the University of Ottawa and graduated in 1963 with an LL.B.

After completion of his articles and the Bar Admission Course, Denis was called, with honours, to the Ontario Bar in the spring of 1965. He then began practising law with John P. Nelligan Q.C, who was at that time a sole practitioner. The partnership of Nelligan Power was created in 1969. Over the course of his legal career, Denis was involved in many areas of law, specializing in litigation, labour law, and education law.

Denis served for several years as a Trustee and Executive member (including the office of the President) of the local Bar Association – the Carleton County Law Association. In addition, he also served for several years as a director and officer of the Ontario Advocates’ Society and was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

In November 2000, he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice in Ontario where he served until his retirement in 2012.

Denny and Louise led a very full life surrounded by a loving family and many loyal friends. They travelled extensively, hosted countless dinner parties, and enjoyed cross country skiing, tennis and golfing at their beloved cottage in Norway Bay, Quebec.

Always quick with a corny joke or an awkward Irish jig, Denis had a unique ability to put people at ease. A true gentleman, Denis was above all, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, known for his kindness and integrity. He was dearly loved and his absence will be felt profoundly.

The family would like to thank the incredible nurses and PSWs at Amica Westboro and his wonderful caregiver Ray for their diligence and care.

Friends may visit at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home & Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club Road (at Albion Road) Ottawa, Ontario, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. George’s Church, 415 Piccadilly Ave, Ottawa on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS Canada or the Shepherds of Good Hope.