John and Jean Daniels

In their final years, both John and Jean faced challenging illnesses with great dignity, and died peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital with family by their side. To the end, they maintained their keen sense of humour and shared gratitude towards all the wonderful health care professionals.

Jean and John will be achingly missed, but lovingly remembered every day, by their family; son Jonathan (Stacy), and daughter JoAnn; as beloved Grandpa John and “Purple” Grandma Jean to their grandchildren Bailey and Ryley; and by their family in England, Scotland, and Germany.

Their story began outside Manchester (England) when Merchant Naval Officer John met his friend’s sister, Jean, and the two were married in 1958. After several years working in Penang (Malaysia), they immigrated to Canada for John to work with the Canadian Government.

Captain Daniels spent 30 years with Transport Canada, retiring in 1995 as the Director of Marine Crews and Training, but remained a much respected and sought-after consultant in international maritime safety for many years. John was also an officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve for 20 years, where he inspired, mentored, and passed on his incredible knowledge of all things maritime before retiring in 1987 as the Commanding Officer of Ottawa’s HMCS Carleton with the rank of Captain(N). John was also one of the longest serving members of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada (Capital Division) and a past Divisional Director.

Jean devoted her entire life and all her energy to her family, ensuring they were loved unconditionally, supported constantly, and encouraged enthusiastically. A dedicated volunteer, Jean joined every organization relating to her family; social committees; Girl Guides; Elmwood Guild; and Ashbury Guild to name but a few. Jean will be remembered for her kindness; style; wit; charm; turn-of-phrase; graciousness; ability to find the perfect gift for every occasion; love of dogs; love of shopping; the Hallmark Channel; crocs in every colour; Birkenstocks in every colour; and her extensive collection of gnomes.

Together they enjoyed a full life that included travel, community, and service; and in later years, Caribbean cruises and travelling to visit and spoil their grandchildren in King City became the destinations of choice. In recent years they always loved waterside outings that involved ice cream, poutine, and fish and chips.

The family sends a very special thank you to the kind staff at Revera’s Landmark Court Retirement Residence, who always shared humour-filled conversations with Jean and John, and who cared for them with great warmth and compassion.

We also thank the wonderful health care professionals of the Ottawa General Hospital who offered support and excellent care to Jean and John over the years and in their final days.

Jean and John were always together in life, hand-in-hand, so it is only fitting they left this life together. A Joint Celebration of Life to honour their lives will be held on August 20, 2022 at 11:00AM at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home (1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa) and a link for Livestream will be available upon request for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, Jean would have appreciated donations be made to Westies in Need (https://westiesinneed.com/donate-to-westies-in-need).