We announce with great sadness that John Dodson, age 76, of Ottawa, Ontario, died on May 10, 2026, at Elisabeth Bruyère LTC.
John was born on April 6, 1950, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and lived in Ottawa for many years. He was a devoted father, a great friend, an avid reader, an enthusiastic dancer and a generous, warm-hearted man, always eager to learn about and help those around him.
John is survived by his true friend, Maggie Keith; his children, Alexander (Isabel) and Samuel Dodson; three grandsons, Jack, Theo and Noah Dodson; former wife/ mother of his children, Mary Sims; and his siblings, Heather (Thomas) Thunell, Shauna (Thomas) Millar, and Donald (Ruth) Dodson, as well as his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jean Dodson, and brother, Stewart Dodson.
A visitation will be held on May 31, 2026, at 10:00 am, at the Funeral Co-operative of Ottawa, 419 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, followed by a service at 11:00 am. In keeping with John’s wishes, a party will be held at a later date in his honour at Des jardins co-operative d'appartements, where he lived for 10 years before moving to Elisabeth Bruyère LTC.
Sympathy Messages
I was a brother-in-law to John. I have many many warm memories of him. He was one of the most curious, interesting, and interested people I knew. One of a kind!
May my support warm your heart
- Chris Sims, on
May 13, 2026
I’m very sorry to hear about Uncle John’s passing. He will be missed.
I’m one of his many nephews and I have fond memories of coming to visit the cousins and he would often be there, sometimes to look after us during play dates. A special memory as a kid was visiting Ottawa during Christmas and him bringing the cousins and me to sledding trips in the park near the Rideau Canal. Those were fun times…
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, especially my cousins, Alex & Sam.
May my support warm your heart
- Kendrick Sims, on
May 14, 2026
I can second everything my brother Chris has said about John’s curiosity and engagement and add that it always came with a wry sense of humour. He was always fun to converse with.
May my support warm your heart
- Steve Sims, on
May 14, 2026
Alex and Isabel,
we are very sorry to hear about your loss and want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies,
Lucie & Marc
- Lucie Bégin, on
May 14, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a warm, kind individual with a great sense of humour and an amazing father to Alex and Sam. He will be missed.
- Anne Marie Sims, on
May 14, 2026
John was a good friend to my dad, and always willing to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. He will be missed ❤️
- Suzie Amarualik-Gazee, on
May 14, 2026
My sincere condolences to Alex and Sam. Your father loved you so very much. He was so proud of the way you took his lead and became outstanding men.
John, I’m so glad you were my optimistic, oldest brother and taught me about loving “unbirthdays.”
-Shauna (Dodson) Miller
May my support warm your heart
- Shauna (Dodson) Miller, on
May 14, 2026
Sending you love, Alex and Sam. We have many happy memories of fun with your Dad. He really was interesting and always interested in those around him.
- Debbie and Andrew McGregor, on
May 15, 2026
My deepest heartfelt condolences to your family: Alex,Isabel,Sam and Mary during this difficult time of sadness and loss. John loved life and his books. He always had a smile for everyone and little known facts to share and brighten your day. I know he will be greatly missed.
May my support warm your heart
- Carmela O'Keefe , on
May 15, 2026
Sending all my love and thoughts and prayers. Uncle John will be missed. Something that will stick with me forever is his enthusiasm and zeal for life. Always up for an adventure.
2 things
I distinctly remember about him is when I asked him his favorite food he said, “the first bite after you haven’t eaten in a long time.” And that’s become my answer too.
And to never say no to playing with the kids. He was out playing football with my kids at the age of 70, such a joyful, adventurous uncle.
He will be missed.
May my support warm your heart
- Joni , on
May 15, 2026
Uncle John was such an engaging conversationalist. He knew a little bit about everything and yet probed you to participate and to learn and grow—maybe a bit of a professor at heart. He was one of a kind and I just wish we had lived closer. Wishing Alex, Sam, and family comfort and peace.
May my support warm your heart
- Britta Gross, on
May 15, 2026
As John’s sister, I had an opportunity early on to observe his flair for business and sense of adventure. He was a devoted father who greatly loved his boys. In many ways he was a free spirit and his own man. He always enjoyed his association with all kinds of people and the reading of a good book.
We will miss his laugh and quick witted conversations. We send our love and extend our heart-felt sympathy to Alex, Sam, Mary, and Maggie. May the Lord bless and comfort you.
Sincerely
Heather (Dodson) Thunell & Tom
- Heather & Tom Thunell, on
May 15, 2026
Hello Mary, Alex, and Sam. We're so sorry to hear of John's passing. We have wonderful memories of you all and John from those years on Hamilton Ave. Thinking of you all.
A tree is planted in memory of the deceased
- Harry Don & Jill Wellington & Nils Wellington, on
May 15, 2026
Goodbye, John. I hope you're enjoying what you called "the greatest adventure." You'll be missed.
Your little brother, Donald
- Donald Dodson, on
May 15, 2026
To John's family -- John was an unusually generous smart witty man, and I send my condolences for the loss of such a loving dad and friend.
- Karen Watson, on
May 17, 2026
Dear Alex, Sam and Mary;
I remember John most as a sharer of books and stories, an enthusiastic dad in the bleachers, and a general champion of your accomplishments.
We're thinking of you and sending love.
Laurie and family
- Laurie Koensgen , on
May 25, 2026
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